Virtual Reality for Pain Control During Labor: Patient Preferences [14S]

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Immersive virtual reality (VR) has recently been shown to be a valid method to treat pain and anxiety. This modality is very new to the childbirth process. One objective of this study was to show if, during labor, there is a pain level or time of day where virtual reality is less effective or desired, and what VR applications subjects enjoy using most. METHODS: This is a randomized control trial intended as a pilot study with 2 different arms of 10. Nurses periodically recorded information every 4 hours during latent labor and every 1 hour during active labor. VR arm patients were asked to use VR for at least 15 minutes and record pain scores again. Patients were allowed access to all standard forms of analgesia throughout labor. A brief survey was completed after delivery. IRB approval/informed consent was obtained. RESULTS: 100% of patient stopped using VR as labor progressed, even after getting epidurals with the average pain score of 8 in non-epiduralized patients. The average number of VR uses per patient was 3.1 +/- 0.99. 80% of patients' last use of VR prior to refusal was before 2300 hrs. The most enjoyed VR experience was playing games with 67%, and nature/meditation scenes were also preferred options. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that VR in labor has some parameters to optimal use. Patients tend to not desire VR use with pain scores >8, or at night time. When implementing VR during labor, patient preferences should be kept in mind to optimize its effectiveness.

Virtual reality applications to assist pregnant women: a scoping review

“…Most frequently, VR is used to facilitate pregnancy for pregnant women by reducing their anxiety levels and training them to effectively manage their pain during labor [12][13][14]. A pregnant woman's blood pressure and heart beat increases during labor and this may intensify if the mother is experiencing pain and anxiety which, as a result, can reduce the amount of blood flow in the uterine.…”