Nature-based mindfulness programs using virtual reality to reduce pediatric perioperative anxiety: a narrative review

Abstract

Over 75% of pediatric surgery patients experience preoperative anxiety, which can lead to complicated recoveries. Current interventions are less effective for children over 12 years old. New interventions, like mindfulness-based ones (MBIs), are needed to address this issue. MBIs work well for reducing mental health symptoms in youth, but they can be challenging for beginners. Virtual reality (VR) nature settings can help bridge this gap, providing an engaging 3-D practice environment that minimizes distractions and enhances presence. However, no study has investigated the combined effects of mindfulness training in natural VR settings for pediatric surgery patients, creating a significant gap for a novel intervention. This paper aims to fill that gap by presenting a narrative review exploring the potential of a nature-based mindfulness program using VR to reduce pediatric preoperative anxiety. It begins by addressing the risks of anxiety in children undergoing surgery, emphasizing its impact on physical recovery, and supporting the use of VR for anxiety reduction in hospitals. The review then delves into VR's role in nature and mindfulness, discussing theoretical concepts, clinical applications, and effectiveness. It also examines how the combination of mindfulness, nature, and VR can create an effective intervention, supported by relevant literature. Finally, it synthesizes the existing literature's limitations, findings, gaps, and contradictions, concluding with research and clinical implications.

Effects of the Specialized Preoperative Waiting Room on Preoperative Anxiety in Pediatric Patients

“…Those met the following criteria were excluded: (1) with a history of mental and psychological disorders or a family history of mental illness; (2) unable to communicate with the investigators; (3) critical illness, emergency operation; (4) combined with severe metabolic diseases; (5) combined with congenital self-care disorder; (6) with developmental abnormalities or congenital malformations.…”

“…An international study has shown that more than 75% of pediatric patients have anxiety before surgery [4]. Studies have shown that preoperative interventions, such as preoperative games, virtual reality technology, and robot companion, are beneficial to alleviate children's preoperative anxiety, which has become a standard procedure in developed countries in Europe and the United States [5][6][7]. Moreover, developed countries generally adopt a more comprehensive approach to psychological care, including a child-friendly medical environment, professional psychological counseling for children, and active communication with children and their parents.…”