Virtual reality and distraction cards to reduce pain during intramuscular benzathine penicillin injection procedure in adults: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Aim The aim of this study was to determine the effect of using three‐dimensional videos with virtual reality glasses and distraction cards including optical illusion pictures on patients’ pain and satisfaction levels during intramuscular benzathine penicillin injection. Design A randomized controlled trial. Method The study population consisted of 91 patients who were prescribed intramuscular benzathine penicillin medication. The participants were stratified by gender and assigned to three groups (control, virtual reality and distraction cards groups). The visual analogue scale was used to assess pain and patient satisfaction. A one‐way analysis of variance and Dunnett's post hoc tests were used to compare the pain and satisfaction levels by group. Results The mean pain was 6.67 (2.17) in the control group, 4.4 (2.71) in the distraction cards group and 4.93 (3.07) in the virtual reality group and the difference was statistically significant (F = 5.84, p ˂ .01). The average of the satisfaction levels in the groups was 3.57 (2.23) in the control group, 7.13 (2.86) in the distraction cards group and 8.07 (2.55) in the virtual reality group. The difference between the satisfaction levels was statistically significant (F = 25.77, p ˂ .01). Conclusion The three‐dimensional videos with virtual reality glasses and distraction cards including optical illusion pictures were effective in reducing pain associated with intramuscular benzathine penicillin injection and increasing patient satisfaction. Impact The results of this study will contribute to evidence‐based nursing practices for the pain associated with intramuscular benzathine penicillin injection. Clinical Trial Registry NCT04420559.

A randomised controlled trial for the effectiveness of an audiovisual device on anxiety and pain perception during a nerve block for chronic pain relief

“…We were surprised to observe that a third of patients in the intervention groups removed the video glasses during the procedure, and only 58% would use this technology again. This latter percentage is lower than other studies where 74 to 95% were satisfied, even when no significant effects on anxiety or pain were reached 3–7 . Interestingly, as in other studies, 94% wanted this device to be available for others, although they did not want it for themselves 3,4 …”

“…We demonstrated that audiovisual distraction with a head-mounted device has no advantageous effect on procedural anxiety and pain among chronic pain patients receiving a pain relief intervention. This is similar to some previous trials, 3,4 but in contrast to some other trials, which did show an anxiety reduction but no pain reduction 5 or conversely only a reduction in pain 6,7 . Possibly the level of distraction was too much as the patients felt ‘out of control’ of their being in a vulnerable position and not knowing what was about to happen: this might also explain a lack of effect among vasectomy patients 3 and obstetric patients undergoing external cephalic version 4 and positive results among patients receiving an intramuscular injection, 6 radiologic intervention 5 or during regular contractions in labor 7 .…”

“…This is similar to some previous trials, 3,4 but in contrast to some other trials, which did show an anxiety reduction but no pain reduction 5 or conversely only a reduction in pain 6,7 . Possibly the level of distraction was too much as the patients felt ‘out of control’ of their being in a vulnerable position and not knowing what was about to happen: this might also explain a lack of effect among vasectomy patients 3 and obstetric patients undergoing external cephalic version 4 and positive results among patients receiving an intramuscular injection, 6 radiologic intervention 5 or during regular contractions in labor 7 . Nevertheless, we found no difference in effect whether patients were receiving a repeated treatment or if they were attending for their first nerve block procedure.…”

Virtual Reality for Decreasing Procedural Pain during Botulinum Toxin Injection Related to Spasticity Treatment in Adults: A Pilot Study

“…In a retrospective chart review, Chau et al [28] showed the feasibility of using VR during botulinum toxin injections in 14 pediatric patients and reported benefits in the management of procedural pain [28]. In adults, VR also seems to offer advantages in some hospital settings, even in other types of injections, regarding pain, anxiety, and anger management due to the distraction provided by this technology [29][30][31]. However, the effects and feasibility of VR during the intramuscular injection of botulinum toxin in adults presenting with spasticity have yet to be determined.…”

Effect of Distraction Cards and Stress Ball on the Pain and Anxiety, in the Implementation of Intramuscular Injection on Children: A Randomized Controlled Study

“…Çocuklarda genellikle antibiyotik, vitamin ve antiemetik gibi ilaçların verilmesinde IM enjeksiyon tercih edilmektedir. 2,3 Çocuklar, erişkinlerden farklı bir bakım ve tedaviye gereksinim duyarlar. Erişkinler ile kıyaslandıklarında biyopsikososyokültürel sınırlılıklardan dolayı tıbbi zarara maruz kaldıklarında ciddi sonuçlarla karşılaşılmaktadır.…”