Virtual Reality for Acute Pain in Outpatient Hysteroscopy: A Randomised
Controlled Trial
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of virtual reality as a
distraction technique in the management of acute pain and anxiety during
outpatient hysteroscopy. Methods: A parallel group, prospective
randomised controlled trial was conducted at a UK University Hospital
(August to October 2018) (ClinicalTrials.gov Id: NCT03699280). Forty
consenting, eligible women were randomised to virtual reality
intervention (immersive video content as a distraction method) or
standard care during outpatient hysteroscopy. Pain and anxiety outcomes
were measured as a numeric rating score (scale of 0-10). Results:
Compared to standard care, women with virtual reality intervention
experienced less average pain (score 6.0 vs 3.7, mean difference 2.3,
95% CI 0.61-3.99, p=0.009) and anxiety (score 5.45 vs 3.3, mean
difference 2.15, 95% CI 0.38-3.92, p=0.02). Conclusion: Virtual Reality
was effective in reducing pain and anxiety during outpatient
hysteroscopy in a pilot trial. Its wide potential role in ambulatory
gynaecologic procedures needs further evaluation.