The effect of augmented reality on preoperative anxiety in children and adolescents: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background and AimsVirtual reality has been shown to be an effective non‐pharmacological intervention for reducing anxiety of pediatric patients. A newer immersive technology, that of augmented reality, offers some practical advantages over virtual reality, and also seems to show beneficial effects on anxiety. The main objective of this study was to determine whether augmented reality could reduce preoperative anxiety in pediatric patients undergoing elective day surgeries. A secondary outcome was to document the level of satisfaction from pediatric patients toward augmented reality intervention.MethodsChildren and adolescents aged between 5 and 17 years old scheduled for elective day surgery under general anesthesia were randomly divided into two groups. Patients in the control group received standard care, whereas patients in the augmented reality group were accompanied by two virtual characters who taught them relaxation techniques and provided emotional and informational support. Anxiety was measured at the time of admission and at the time of induction using the short version of the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale.ResultsThe analysis included 37 pediatric patients in the augmented reality group and 64 in the control group. Anxiety scores were statistically significantly lower in the augmented reality group than those in the control group at the time of admission (median difference [95% CI]: 6.3 [0–10.4], p = .01), while no difference was observed between groups at the time of induction (median difference [95% CI]: −4.2 [−5.2–4.2], p = .58). Most patients in the augmented reality group wished to wear the glasses again and reported to be very satisfied with the intervention.ConclusionTo our knowledge, this study is the first large randomized controlled trial to provide empirical evidence of reduction in anxiety for children and adolescents using augmented reality prior to induction of general anesthesia.

Effectiveness of Virtual Reality on Postoperative Pain, Disability and Range of Movement after Knee Replacement: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Moreover, recent studies support its effectiveness in other areas of health. In psychology, multiple studies have been carried out to reduce anxiety [ 45 ], establish exposure treatments for phobias [ 46 ] or treat depression [ 47 ].…”

The effect of augmented reality on preoperative anxiety in children and adolescents: A randomized controlled trial. Comments on Chamberland et al

“…We read the study about the use of augmented reality (AR) in preoperative anxiety with interest and commend the authors on the first randomized controlled trial demonstrating that AR reduces postoperative anxiety in children undergoing elective surgery. 1 Children show a high incidence of perioperative anxiety 2 so having evidence to support further options to tailor anxiolysis specifically to each child and situation is valuable.…”

Augmented reality for facilitation of paediatric peribulbar block administration – A case report

“…AR is a good distraction technique and can be tailored to the individual preferences and needs of the patient. Although AR has been used for distracting paediatric patients during procedures such as obtaining vascular access, dental care and preoperative anxiety,[ 2 3 4 ] it has not been evaluated for the facilitation of regional blocks.…”