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Virtual reality as a distraction technique for pain and anxiety among patients with breast cancer: A randomized control trial

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 September 2018

Eslam Bani Mohammad  and
Muayyad Ahmad Open the ORCID record for Muayyad Ahmad [Opens in a new window]
Eslam Bani Mohammad
Affiliation:
School of Nursing, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
Muayyad Ahmad*
Affiliation:
School of Nursing, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
*
Author for correspondence: Muayyad Ahmad, Ph.D., R.N., Clinical Nursing Department, School of Nursing, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan 11942. E-mail: mma4jo@yahoo.com; mma4@ju.edu.jo
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Abstract

Objective

The goal of this study was to assess the effectiveness of immersive virtual reality (VR) distraction technology in reducing pain and anxiety among female patients with breast cancer.

Method

A randomized control trial design was used with a sample of 80 female patients with breast cancer at a specialized cancer center in Jordan. Participants were randomly assigned into intervention and comparison groups.

Result

The study findings showed that one session of the immersive VR plus morphine made a significant reduction in pain and anxiety self-reported scores, compared with morphine alone, in breast cancer patients.

Significance of results

Immersive VR is an effective distraction intervention for managing pain and anxiety among breast cancer patients. Using immersive VR as an adjuvant intervention is more effective than morphine alone in relieving pain and anxiety; furthermore, VR is a safe intervention more than pharmacological treatment.

Keywords

Virtual realityPainAnxietyBreast cancer
Type
Original Article
Information
Palliative & Supportive Care , Volume 17 , Issue 1 , February 2019 , pp. 29 - 34
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2018 

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