Effects of Virtual Reality on Pain, Anxiety, and Fear During Thyroid Fine-needle Aspiration Biopsy: an Open-label Randomized Controlled Trial
Effects of Virtual Reality on Pain, Anxiety, and Fear During Thyroid Fine-needle Aspiration Biopsy: an Open-label Randomized Controlled Trial
Thyroid nodules are a common health problem in the adult population. Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is the standard diagnostic procedure for evaluating suspected thyroid nodules. Although FNAB is generally considered a safe and minimally invasive procedure, it may cause pain, anxiety, and fear. In addition, patients are instructed not to speak or cough during the procedure, and the biopsy may need to be repeated if an insufficient specimen is obtained, which can further increase psychological distress. Therefore, effective non-pharmacological interventions may help improve patient comfort during the procedure. Distraction is a widely used non-pharmacological pain management strategy that reduces patients' perception of pain and distress by redirecting their attention away from the procedure. Virtual reality (VR) is an immersive distraction technique that has shown promise in reducing procedure-related discomfort in various clinical settings. This open-label randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effect of virtual reality on pain as the primary outcome and anxiety and fear of pain as secondary outcomes in patients undergoing ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy of suspected thyroid nodules.
Research Type:
This study was designed as an open-label randomized controlled trial with blinded statistical analysis. Statistical analyses were performed by an independent statistician who was blinded to group allocation.
Research Population and Sample:
The study population consisted of patients presenting to Gaziantep City Hospital with suspected thyroid nodules. The sample consisted of 100 patients who met the inclusion criteria and were scheduled to undergo thyroid fine-needle aspiration biopsy.
Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria:
• Cognitive impairment or psychiatric conditions that would interfere with study participation or the use of a virtual reality headset.