Virtual Reality Application on Pain Intensity and Anxiety Level in Endoscopy Patients

The Effect of Virtual Reality Application on Pain Intensity and Anxiety Level in Endoscopy Patients

In contemporary medicine, endoscopic procedures are often regarded as the gold standard for the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal illnesses due to the essential role they play in these processes. Endoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows direct visualization of the gastrointestinal tract using a flexible, camera-equipped instrument.However, due to their invasive nature, these methods pose certain challenges for both healthcare professionals and patients. In particular, the physical discomfort and pain experienced during the procedure can lead to a negative attitude toward the process in patients, which can indirectly affect the success of the procedure .Despite the fact that a number of studies have examined the impact of virtual reality applications on pain and anxiety during endoscopy, the conclusions remain inconsistent. Moreover, relatively few studies have assessed physiological signs of anxiety. Therefore, uncertainties remain regarding the generalizability of existing findings. The present study aimed to examine the effect of virtual reality application on pain, anxiety, and physiological parameters in patients undergoing endoscopy.

Eligible individuals were adults aged 18 or older, capable of effective communication, and scheduled for non-sedated oral gastroduodenoscopy (OGD).

Exclusion criteria included emergency endoscopy, neurological conditions (e.g., migraine, vertigo, chronic headaches), or sensory impairments affecting hearing or vision.