Effects of Virtual Reality-Based Education on Pre-treatment Anxiety, Post-treatment Experience, and Satisfaction Among Adult Patients Diagnosed With Cancer Receiving External Beam Radiotherapy in Oman

Introduction: External Beam Radiotherapy is a common strategy used in the treatment of various cancers, and the patient undergoing treatment using this strategy many times experiences anxiety and stress. While patient education is essential for anxiety management, traditional methods may not adequately address the complex needs of patients in Oman, where no standardized pre-treatment education protocols exist. Virtual Reality (VR) technology offers promising potential for enhancing patient education and reducing anxiety.

Purpose/Aim: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of VR-based education in reducing anxiety levels, improving treatment experience, and increasing satisfaction among adult patients with cancer receiving external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) in Oman.

Research Design: A randomized control trial will be conducted with 122 patients undergoing external beam radiotherapy from SQCCCRC (Sultan Qaboos Comprehensive Cancer Care & Research Center) and the National Oncology Center (NOC) in Royal Hospital. These patients will be randomly allocated to either the intervention group (VR-based education) or the control group (standard education). The intervention group will view an educational VR video via immersive headsets, while the control group will receive standard care.

Study Instruments: Anxiety levels will be measured using the State Anxiety Inventory (SAI), the Radiotherapy Experience Questionnaire (RTEQ) will be used to measure treatment experience, and the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ) will be used to measure patient satisfaction.

Plan for Data Analysis: The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 29 will be used for data analysis. Descriptive statistics in terms of mean, standard deviation, frequencies, and percentages will be used to summarize patient characteristics. Paired t-tests will be used to compare pre- and post-intervention anxiety levels within each group. Independent t-tests will be used to assess differences between the intervention and control groups. Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) will be used to control confounding variables such as age, education level, and baseline anxiety scores.

Expected Outcomes: The researcher predicts that VR education will lower anxiety levels while delivering better patient experiences and higher satisfaction than traditional education methods. Current study findings will guide patient education protocol development and help to establish standardized pre-radiotherapy education guideline standards in Oman