Effect of Virtual Reality Distraction on Satisfaction and Tolerability in Patients Undergoing In-Office KTP Laser Procedure

Abstract

To study the effect of virtual reality (VR) on satisfaction, discomfort, stress, and cooperation in patients undergoing in-office potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) laser procedure. Prospective study. Thirty-seven patients were enrolled in this prospective study. The State Anxiety Scale of Spielberg's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory was used to measure the level of state anxiety. Satisfaction, discomfort, pain, stress, acceptance of VR, relaxation with VR, and willingness to wear VR were evaluated using a 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS). A 5-point Likert-like scale was used to rate the patient cooperation. All procedures were completed successfully with cooperation of patients. Satisfaction score in VR group was 88.3±9.0, and in control group was 81.6±9.7 (P=0.040). There were significant differences in both nasal cavity and laryngopharynx discomfort between two groups (P=0.030 and P=0.016, respectively). The pain score of control group was higher than that of VR group but it was not statistically significant (P=0.140). The stress of control group during procedure was more obvious than that of VR group (30.5±24.0 versus 17.0±9.2, P=0.021). The mean VAS scores of acceptance of VR were all more than 75. The results of regression analysis showed that VR had significant effects on satisfaction with the procedure (P=0.004), discomfort of nasal cavity (P=0.030) and laryngopharynx (P=0.016), and feeling of stress (P=0.021) during the procedure. Distraction of VR can enhance satisfaction in both procedure and stress management for patients undergoing in-office KTP laser procedure. Acceptance of VR in VR group was relatively good.