Effect of virtual reality application on patient's pain, anxiety and vital parameters during pleural catheter insertion

Objective: This study is to investigate the effects of virtual reality goggle on pain, anxiety, and vital parameters in patients who will undergo pleural catheter insertion. Material and Methods: The research was conducted at the Chest Surgery Department of Aydın Adnan Menderes University Hospital between 30.11.2023 and 12.06.2024. The sample size was calculated using the 'G-Power 3.1' program and determined to be 78 (initiative group= 39, control group= 39). Informed consent was obtained from the patients who voluntarily participated in the study, and their vital parameters were monitored. While collecting the data, a patient introduction form, the "State-Trait Anxiety Inventory" and the VAS scale were used to assess pain intensity. The normality of the data distribution was evaluated using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk tests. Fisher's Exact and Chi-Square tests were used for the analysis of categorical data; for numerical data analysis, the Dependent and Independent Groups T-Test were used, and for repeated measures, the ANOVA test was applied. Results: The pain and anxiety levels of the initiative group showed a statistically significant difference compared to the control group (p<0.05). The initiative group exhibited significantly lower levels of state anxiety and VAS scores postprocedure compared to the control group (p<0.05). No statistically significant difference was found between the vital parameters of the initiative and control groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: It was concluded that the virtual reality headset applied to individuals with pleural catheters reduced pain and anxiety, but there was no significant change in vital parameters between the groups. Keywords: Anxiety, Nursing, Pain, Pleural Catheter, Virtual Reality.