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CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · Endosc Int Open 2020; 08(07): E959-E966
DOI: 10.1055/a-1178-9289
Original article

Virtual reality distraction for patients to relieve pain and discomfort during colonoscopy

Govert Veldhuijzen‡
1   Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
,
Nienke J.M. Klaassen‡
2   Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
,
Richard J.A. Van Wezel
3   Department of Biomedical Signals and Systems, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
,
Joost P.H. Drenth
1   Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
,
Aura A. Van Esch
1   Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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Abstract

Background and study aims Colonoscopy is an invasive procedure that may cause patients pain and discomfort. Routine use of sedation, while effective, is expensive and requires logistical planning. Virtual reality (VR) offers immersive, three-dimensional experiences that distract the attention and might comfort patients. We performed a pilot study to investigate the feasibility of VR distraction during colonoscopy.

Patients and methods Adults referred for colonoscopy were considered for inclusion and divided over two groups: with and without VR glasses. The main outcome was patient acceptance of wearing VR glasses during colonoscopy without compromising the technical success of the procedure. Secondary outcomes were patient comfort, pain, and anxiety before, during and after the procedure, using validated patient questionnaires. Patient comments were collected through a qualitative interview.

Results We included 19 patients, 10 of whom were offered VR glasses. All patients accepted VR glasses without prolonging procedural time. No disadvantages of the VR glasses were reported in terms of communication or change of position of the patient. We found that patient comfort, pain, anxiety, and satisfaction in relation to the procedure were similar in both groups. Patients described a pleasant distracting effect using VR glasses.

Conclusion VR glasses during colonoscopy are accepted by patients and do not compromise endoscopic technical success. Patients reported that the VR experience was pleasant and distracting.



Publication History

Received: 21 November 2019

Accepted: 16 April 2020

Article published online:
30 June 2020

© 2020. Owner and Copyright ©

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Stuttgart · New York

 

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