The Effect of Virtual Reality Glasses Applied to Hemodialysis Patients on Vital Signs and Anxiety Level

The Effect of Virtual Reality Glasses Applied to Hemodialysis Patients on Vital Signs and Anxiety Level

This randomized controlled experimental study was conducted to evaluate the effects of virtual reality glasses used during hemodialysis on patients' vital signs and anxiety levels. A total of 56 adult patients receiving hemodialysis at Dr. Abdurrahman Yurtaslan Ankara Oncology Training and Research Hospital were randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group. Patients in the experimental group watched a 4K virtual reality nature video with relaxing background music during hemodialysis, while the control group received standard hemodialysis care. Vital signs, pain, anxiety, and satisfaction were assessed to evaluate the effectiveness of the virtual reality intervention.

The research was designed and conducted as a randomized controlled experimental study to determine the effects of virtual reality glasses on the vital signs and anxiety levels of hemodialysis patients.

The study population consisted of patients diagnosed with kidney failure who received hemodialysis at Dr. Abdurrahman Yurtaslan Ankara Oncology Training and Research Hospital between May 2023 and May 2024. A total of 56 patients who volunteered to participate and met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. These patients were randomly assigned to two homogeneous groups according to gender and type of renal failure (acute/chronic): an experimental group (n=28) and a control group (n=28).

Patients in the experimental group watched a 4K virtual reality video featuring natural scenery accompanied by relaxing background music through virtual reality glasses during hemodialysis, whereas patients in the control group received standard hemodialysis care without any additional intervention.

Data were collected using the Patient Information Form, Vital Signs Follow-up Form, Visual Analog Scale for Pain (VAS), State Anxiety Scale, and Visual Analog Scale for Satisfaction (VAS-Satisfaction). Ethics committee approval, institutional permission, and written informed consent were obtained before the study was conducted.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Receiving hemodialysis treatment for the first time.
• Age ≥18 years.
• No visual, hearing, or cognitive impairment.
• Able to communicate effectively.
• Clinically stable.
• No diagnosed psychiatric disorder or use of psychiatric medication.
• No history of seizures.
• Willing and able to provide informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Previous hemodialysis treatment.
• Age <18 years.
• Visual, hearing, or cognitive impairment.
• History of kidney transplantation.
• Communication difficulties.
• Diagnosed psychiatric disorder or use of psychiatric medication.
• History of seizures.
• Declined to participate in the study.