The effect of virtual reality application on pain and anxiety levels in shock wave lithotripsy: A randomized controlled study

This study was conducted experimentally in a randomized controlled design with pre-test, post-test, and control groups to examine the effect of the virtual reality application used during shock wave lithotripsy on pain intensity and anxiety levels. The research was conducted at the Stone Fragmentation Unit of the Department of Urology at Düzce Atatürk State Hospital, affiliated with the Republic of Turkey, Ministry of Health, between November 28, 2022, and July 10, 2023. The sample of the study was determined using power analysis method, and the study was completed with 72 voluntary patients, 36 in the intervention group and 36 in the control group, who met the inclusion criteria. The data of the study were collected using the "Demographic Information Data Collection Form," "State-Trait Anxiety Inventory ," and "Visual Analog Scale " In the study, patients in the intervention group were shown musical video through virtual reality glasses during the ESWL procedure, featuring natural landscapes and scenes intended to evoke feelings of relaxation and tranquillity, while the control group received standard treatment. The study found a statistically significant difference between the control and intervention groups in terms of Visual Analog Scale scores. The statistical analysis revealed that the Visual Analog Scale scores of the intervention group were significantly lower than those of the control group . The groups showed a significant difference in State-Trait Anxiety Inventory pre-test and post-test scores, indicating a change from pre-procedure to post-procedure. Statistically, the pre-test State-Trait Anxiety Inventory scores of the intervention group were found to be significantly higher than those of the control group. However, the post-test STAI-I scores of the intervention group were determined to be significantly lower than those of the control group. It was determined that the virtual reality application during ESWL reduced the severity of procedure-related pain and anxiety levels . Keywords: Pain, Anxiety, ESWL, Nursing, Virtual Reality