The effect of use of virtual reality glasses on pain andanxiety during the stone crushing process

The aim of this study is to determine whether the use of virtual reality glasses during stone crushing has an effect on pain and anxiety and whether this effect differs according to demographic variables. The research group of this study consisted of 60 people who applied to state hospital affiliated to the ministry of health Stone Crushing Department, volunteered to participate in the research, and met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The research group of 60 people was divided into two groups, 30 in the experimental group and 30 in the control group. While the standard stone crushing process was applied to the control group, the experimental group was watched with virtual reality glasses during the stone crushing process. The State Anxiety Scale was applied to both groups before and after the stone breaking process, and the Numerical Rating Scale, which was used to measure the level of pain after the application. Independent sample t-test and two-factor ANOVA test were used to analyze the obtained data. As a result of the analysis, it was concluded that the use of virtual reality glasses during the stone crushing process caused a significant decrease in the level of anxiety and felt pain (p<0,05). In addition, it has been concluded that individuals who have a method of coping with pain benefit more from the effect of reducing the anxiety and felt pain of virtual reality glasses than individuals who do not have a method of coping with pain. In line with the results obtained, it has been suggested that the use of virtual reality glasses be widespread in order to reduce both the anxiety experienced by the patient and the pain felt during the stone breaking process.