Effect of virtual reality glasses applied during pap smear procedure on anxiety, pain and patient satisfaction: randomized controlled study

The research aimed to determine the effect of virtual reality (VR) goggles applied during Pap smear procedures on anxiety, pain, and patient satisfaction through a randomized controlled experimental design. The research was conducted at the Düzce Community Health Center Cancer Early Detection Screening and Training Center (KETEM) between December 2022 and February 2023. The sample size was determined using the G*Power program, with 60 women divided into 30 in the virtual reality group and 30 in the control group. VR goggles were worn by the virtual reality group during the procedure, while routine care was applied to the control group. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, Anxiety Visual Analog Scale (VAS-A), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Numerical Pain Scale, Digital Patient Satisfaction Evaluation Question, Virtual Reality Thoughts Evaluation Form. Data were analyzed using Pearson Chi-Square, Mann-Whitney U, Wilcoxon, and Independent Samples T-Tests. There were no statistically significant differences found among the demographic characteristics of the participants. When examining VAS-A scores, the mean scores of the two groups were similar before the procedure (p>0.05). After the procedure, the anxiety of the control group was measured at 4.90±3.27 points, while that of the virtual reality group was 3.06±2.43 points. The mean anxiety score of the virtual reality group was significantly lower (p<0.05). Within-group analysis showed no statistically significant decrease in anxiety scores before (5.50±3.08) and after (4.86±2.66) the procedure in the control group (p>0.05). However, a statistically significant decrease in anxiety scores before (4.90±3.27) and after (3.06±2.43) the procedure was observed in the virtual reality group (p<0.05). The post-procedure State Anxiety Score averages were lower in the virtual reality group (33.40±12.01) compared to the control group (45.26±13.97) (p<0.001). Following the procedure, the virtual reality group (2.06±2.22) reported lower pain scores than the control group (3.93±2.37) (p=0.003). When assessing satisfaction levels, it was determined that the virtual reality group had higher satisfaction compared to the control group (p=0.001). 76.6% of women in the virtual reality group stated they would like to use VR goggles again during their next Pap smear procedures, and 83.4% mentioned they would recommend the use of virtual reality to women undergoing Pap smears. In conclusion, the application of virtual reality was found to reduce pain and anxiety levels while increasing satisfaction levels during Pap smear procedures. Keywords: Anxiety, Pain Pap smear test, Patient satisfaction, Virtual reality