‘Virtual experience’ as an intervention before a positron emission tomography/CT scan may ease patients’ anxiety and improve image quality

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of a 'virtual experience' on reducing people's anxiety levels and improving image quality. Methods: This study included 200 people who underwent 18 F-FDG PET/CT scan for the first time. Healthy people (n = 100) and patients (n = 100) were randomly divided into a control group and an intervention group. In the intervention group, we used a 'virtual experience' as an intervention before the scan. We used the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and satisfaction questionnaires for evaluation. Additionally, the image quality was analysed. Results: In the control group, more patients presented anxiety than healthy people (26(52%) versus 15(30%)) (P = 0.041). However, when the 'virtual experience' was provided, the number of cases of anxiety in the patient group decreased to 19(38%). Furthermore, patients in the intervention group had lower STAI-related scores than those in the control group (STAI-S: 37.08 AE 9.42 versus 43.34 AE 10.49, P = 0.109; STAI-T: 36.24 AE 9.55 versus 40.72 AE 9.00, P = 0.019). With respect to image quality, people who had higher STAI-related scores were more likely to have unqualified images. Conclusion: A 'virtual experience' provided by an audiovisual installation can ease patients' anxiety and improve image quality.

Effectiveness of educational videos on patient’s preparation for diagnostic procedures: Systematic review and Meta-Analysis

“…The articles analyzed used experimental methods, and thirteen of them presented themselves as randomized clinical trials. ( Bowers et al, 2017 , Sun et al, 2020 , Lattuca et al, 2018 , Jamshidi et al, 2013 , Torabizadeh et al, 2021 , Xia et al, 2019 , Pearson et al, 2005 , Ayasrah and Ahmad, 2016 , Ahlander et al, 2018 , Ketelaars et al, 2017 , Ruffinengo et al, 2009 , Tugwell et al, 2018 , Rigatelli et al, 2009 , Habibzadeh et al, 2018 ).…”

“…The remaining studies were not included in the meta -analysis due to: (1) not measuring anxiety ( Bowers et al, 2017 ), (2) measuring anxiety on a different scale ( Lattuca et al, 2018 , Jamshidi et al, 2013 , Torabizadeh et al, 2021 , Xia et al, 2019 ), (3) STAI values were not available for the experimental and control groups ( Pearson et al, 2005 ) (4) only measured anxiety, and satisfaction before the procedure ( Sun et al, 2020 , Wouters et al, 2019 ), and (5) the control group also viewed the educational video ( Hu et al, 2020 ).…”

“…Using health technological tools, such as audio and educational videos, can help to fill the gaps left by other ineffective forms of communication, such as leaflets or verbal information. These tools support the patient-centered care model by delivering understandable information ( Topaz et al, 2020 ), enhancing information sharing between patients and families, and providing strategies that reduce patient anxiety during the procedure ( Lisy et al, 2021 , Sun et al, 2020 , Pedro et al, 2020 ).…”

Patients’ Opinions About Pet/Ct Scans, Evaluated Before and After Oncological Imaging

“…In some other studies, 24 STAI (a standard anxiety questionnaire, which is widely used in medical imaging research), was used to assess the anxiety level. Unlike those studies, and in parallel with Sun et al 25 we used both the STAI I and STAI II scales in our study.…”

“…Th ey found that the most prominent factor causing anxiety in both bone scintigraphy and PET/CT scan was the imaging time. 26 In a recent study using the STAI questionnaire 25 , Sun et al found that patients with a confi rmed diagnosis of a malignancy had higher anxiety levels than asymptomatic healthy people undergoing cancer screening. In their study, the procedure was introduced to the patients before the PET/CT scan by a video recording, and the number of patients with anxiety was found to be decreased in the patient group compared to the control group, with lower STAI-related scores.…”