The effect of virtual reality application on patients vital signs, pain and comfort levels after lumbar stenosis surgery

ABSTRACT The Effect Of Virtual Reality Application On Patients Vital Signs, Pain And Comfort Levels After Lumbar Stenosis Surgery Aim: The research was conducted to examine the effect of virtual reality application on patients' vital signs, pain and comfort levels after lumbar stenosis surgery. Materials and Methods: This research, was conducted in accordance with the randomized controlled clinical study model between January 2021 and February 2024, at İnönü University Turgut Özal Medical Center Neurosurgery Clinic. According to the power analysis, the sample of the study consisted of 84 patients, 42 experimental and 42 control. While collecting datas; Patient Information Form, Vital Signs Form, Numerical Pain Scale, General Comfort Scale were used. Data were collected from the experimental and control groups. The experimental group was treated with virtual reality glasses for 15 minutes. After the first data collection, vital signs, pain and comfort levels of the experimental and control groups were re-evaluated at the 1st and 2nd hour. In the statistical analysis of the data, percentage, standard deviation, number, mean, Kolmogorov Smirnow test, t-test in independent groups, Chi-Square test, one-way and two-way mixed Anova (analysis of variance) in repeated measurements, paired t-test, were used. Results: In comparisons between groups; differences in systolic blood pressure, pain and comfort levels were found to be statistically significant (p<0.05). In intra-group comparisons; body temperature, systolic blood pressure, comfort level in the experimental group; In the control group, differences in body temperature, pulse rate and pain level were found to be statistically significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: It was observed that virtual reality application did not affect vital signs, pain and comfort levels except body temperature and systolic blood pressure after lumbar stenosis surgery. Keywords: Pain, Nursing, Comfort, Lumbar Stenosis Surgery, Virtual Reality, Vital Signs.