Effect of Virtual Reality Glasses Application on Pain, Anxiety, and Patient Satisfaction During a Transrectal Prostate Biopsy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background This study aims to determine the effect of virtual reality glasses application on pain, anxiety, and patient satisfaction during a transrectal prostate biopsy. Materials and Methods The study was conducted with pre-tests, post-tests, and a control group, using a randomized controlled experimental research design. A total of 70 patients (35 in the intervention group and 35 in the control group) were included in the study. The intervention group watched a video with virtual reality glasses during the biopsy process. A Descriptive Information Form, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-I, STAI-II), Scale of Patient Perception of Hospital Experience with Nursing Care (PPHEN), and Visual Analog Scale for Pain (VAS) were used for data collection. To evaluate the data, numbers, percentages, mean, standard deviation, chi-square, paired sample t test, independent samples t test, regression analysis, and Cronbach’s alpha Reliability Coefficient were used. Results There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of descriptive and clinical characteristics ( p > .05). The mean VAS and STAI post-test scores of the patients in the intervention group were lower than the control group, and the difference between them was statistically significant ( p < .05). The mean PPHEN post-test scores of the patients in the intervention group were significantly higher than those in the control group ( p < .05). Conclusion The application of virtual reality glasses during a transrectal prostate biopsy significantly reduced the level of pain and anxiety and increased patient satisfaction.