Evaluating simulator sickness and acceptability of virtual reality prototype in pain management in hospitalized patients.

Abstract

Aim: Acute and chronic noncancer pain is a common healthcare problem locally and globally, and remains under treated and poorly controlled. We created a virtual reality (VR)-based prototype with customization of content to our local population. Materials & methods: This was an open-label, single center, single-arm study to examine the safety, acceptability and tolerability of the use of VR as an adjunctive tool for pain relief in hospitalized patients. The participants rated their baseline and post-VR pain and anxiety scores. Results & conclusion: All 50 patients completed the VR sessions with good tolerability and safety. Preliminary exploration of pain reduction indicated a positive effect (for pain and anxiety visual analog scale scores; p < 0.001). We believe VR is a potentially beneficial tool for use in pain management.