The Efficacy and Patient Experience of Virtual Reality in Labor: An Integrative Review of Pain and Anxiety Management.

Autor: Kyei GK; Manning College of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA. Electronic address: gracekyei56@gmail.com., Kyei EF; Center for Substance Use Research and Related Conditions, Capstone College of Nursing, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL. Electronic address: evanskyei80@gmail.com., Ansong R; Manning College of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA.
Jazyk: angličtina
Zdroj: Pain management nursing : official journal of the American Society of Pain Management Nurses [Pain Manag Nurs] 2024 Sep 14. Date of Electronic Publication: 2024 Sep 14.
DOI: 10.1016/j.pmn.2024.08.007
Abstrakt: Background: Labor pain and anxiety are significant challenges in maternal healthcare, often managed through pharmacological interventions. Virtual Reality (VR), as a non- pharmacological method, has emerged as a potential tool for pain and anxiety relief in labor. This integrative review aims to synthesize evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs), qualitative studies, and mixed-methods research to evaluate the effectiveness of VR in labor pain and anxiety management and to understand patient experiences.
Methods: Adhering to the PRISMA guidelines, a structured literature search was conducted across databases, including PsycINFO, CINAHL, and PubMed, yielding 1,227 studies. Following a meticulous screening and selection process by authors, 13 studies (10 RCTs, 2 qualitative, and 1 mixed methods) met the inclusion criteria. Data extraction focused on study design, population characteristics, VR interventions, outcomes measured, and key findings, with a content analysis approach employed for thematic synthesis.
Results: The RCTs consistently showed VR's efficacy in reducing labor pain and, to some extent, anxiety. Qualitative studies highlighted VR's role in enhancing patient experiences, offering distraction, relaxation, and improved self-efficacy in pain management. The integration of findings from quantitative and qualitative studies provided a comprehensive understanding of VR's effectiveness and acceptability in labor. Notable themes included the importance of VR's immersive nature and its potential to reduce reliance on pharmacological interventions.
Conclusion: VR emerges as a promising tool for managing labor pain and anxiety, offering a non-invasive and patient-friendly alternative to traditional pain relief methods. Its implementation in clinical practice could enhance patient satisfaction and overall birthing experiences. However, further research is needed to standardize VR interventions, assess long-term effects, and determine cost-effectiveness. The findings encourage the consideration of VR as part of holistic maternal care, emphasizing the need to integrate patient-centered healthcare technologies.
Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.
(Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Inc.)
Databáze: MEDLINE
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