Anxiolytic Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Glasses in Surgery

Anxiolytic Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Glasses in Upper Extremity Surgery

Regional anesthesia allows surgery without affecting the patient's level of consciousness.However, this may cause anxiety in some patients.In previous research, scientists have tried to prevent anxiety with non-pharmacological interventions such as music and cognitive therapies.Virtual reality is thought to offer an immersive experience that can alter the mind's perception of pain. Scientists have found in previous preliminary studies that virtual reality is safe and effective as an adjunct to standard sedative/analgesic protocols for reducing patients' pain and anxiety during endoscopy, colonoscopy, dental treatments, burn dressings, and labor. In this study, it is expected that anxiety scores, postoperative analgesic need and intraoperative sedation need will decrease, recovery quality will improve and patient satisfaction will increase in patients who will undergo upper extremity surgery under regional anesthesia and watch videos through VR glasses.

Inclusion Criteria:

• who will undergo upper extremity surgery under regional anesthesia

Exclusion Criteria:

• being under 18 years old
• Those who do not have the ability to read, understand and sign the consent form
• An active infection or open wound in the face or eye area
• History of seizures due to an epileptic condition or any other reason
• Planning to wear a hearing aid during the surgical procedure
• Having a pacemaker or other implanted medical device
• Migraine
• Having an infectious condition that is transmitted through droplets or airborne
• not knowing Turkish
• Not deemed suitable for the approach by the surgeon
• History of psychosis or claustrophobia
• Being visually and/or hearing impaired