Virtual-Reality Effects on Acute Pain During Office Hysteroscopy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objective: The goal of this research was to evaluate the use of virtual reality (VR) as a noninvasive analgesic during office hysteroscopy. Materials and Methods: The participants were 50 women undergoing office-based hysteroscopy at a single clinic in Washington DC randomized to VR or standard care from May to November 2020. The VR intervention consisted of guided meditation through an Oculus Go headset. Primary outcome measurement was peak pain score during the procedure based on a 100-mm visual analogue scale score. Secondary outcomes were changes in pain scores and changes in participants' heart rates (HRs). Results: No significant difference emerged in pain before, during, or after the procedure between the 2 groups. The peak pain score during the procedure for the VR group was 35 (15, 60) versus 30 (9, 54) for the standard hysteroscopy group (p = 0.317). VR had no significant effect on median HR change during the procedure (−4.6 [−0.5,11.1] versus +2.8 [0.1,7.7]; p = 0.327). Largely, participants in the VR group had positive experiences: 88% reported that the music was calming and 84% reported that meditation was helpful. Conclusions: This study showed no statistically significant difference in pain scores or change in HR prior to, during, or after hysteroscopic procedures with VR, compared to standard care. (J GYNECOL SURG 38:214)