P559 Descriptive observational pilot study about the use of Virtual Reality (VR) in patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and biological treatment

Abstract

Abstract Background Virtual reality (VR) is a neurosensory experience in which simulated images and spaces are created where a person has the sensation of being and being able to function within them. A high percentage of patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) receive intravenous biological treatments in a day hospital (HDD) regime. VR has been used in some fields of medicine, such as Oncology, demonstrating its usefulness in reducing chronic symptoms such as pain or anxiety. However, we don’t have any literature demonstrating the applicability of VR in IBD. Methods Descriptive observational pilot study based on an initial cohort of 87 patients obtained from the HDD of the IBD Unit. Satisfaction and acceptance of VR through the use of 3D glasses and the reduction of negative symptoms during intravenous biological treatment in patients with IBD in HDD have been assessed. Results 43 patients (52.4%) used VR and completed the study. The mean age was 45.3 years. The validated IBDQ-32 questionnaire on quality of life in IBD obtained a mean score of 169 points (range: 32-224). In the comparative analysis of the results of the questionnaires before and after the use of VR, a statistically significant improvement was observed in the patients' view of the ability of VR to achieve a reduction in stress (65% patients improve; p: 0.0021) and pain (VAS, 54% p. improve; p<0.05) during treatment. Likewise, with the applicability of VR in other areas of medicine (53%; p: 0.05) and with the possibility of improving well-being during the stay in the HDD (56%; p: 0.0014). No side effects were reported with the use of the 3D glasses. Conclusion The use of VR could be a useful complementary tool to improve the stay of patients with IBD on HDD during treatment with intravenous biologic drugs. To this end, we believe it is appropriate to complete our research and obtain more data through other studies along the same lines.