New perspectives in patient education for cardiac surgery using 3D-printing and virtual reality

Abstract

BackgroundPreoperative anxiety in cardiac surgery can lead to prolonged hospital stays and negative postoperative outcomes. An improved patient education using 3D models may reduce preoperative anxiety and risks associated with it.MethodsPatient education was performed with standardized paper-based methods (n = 34), 3D-printed models (n = 34) or virtual reality models (n = 31). Anxiety and procedural understanding were evaluated using questionnaires prior to and after the patient education. Additionally, time spent for the education and overall quality were evaluated among further basic characteristics (age, gender, medical expertise, previous non-cardiac surgery and previously informed patients). Included surgeries were coronary artery bypass graft, surgical aortic valve replacement and thoracic aortic aneurysm surgery.ResultsA significant reduction in anxiety measured by Visual Analog Scale was achieved after patient education with virtual reality models (5.00 to 4.32, Δ-0.68, p < 0.001). Procedural knowledge significantly increased for every group after the patient education while the visualization and satisfaction were best rated for patient education with virtual reality. Patients rated the quality of the patient education using both visualization methods individually [3D and virtual reality (VR) models] higher compared to the control group of conventional paper-sheets (control paper-sheets: 86.32 ± 11.89%, 3D: 94.12 ± 9.25%, p < 0.0095, VR: 92.90 ± 11.01%, p < 0.0412).ConclusionRoutine patient education with additional 3D models can significantly improve the patients' satisfaction and reduce subjective preoperative anxiety effectively.

Impact of virtual reality education on disease-specific knowledge and anxiety for hepatocellular carcinoma patient scheduled for liver resection: a randomized controlled study

“…One such investigation assessed the impact of VR-based training on immunotherapy knowledge among cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy 13 . Another study focused on patients set to undergo cardiac procedures, such as coronary artery bypass graft, surgical aortic valve replacement, and thoracic aortic aneurysm surgery 8 . This research highlighted that combining VR with 3D printed models for patient education not only elevated patient satisfaction but also effectively alleviated preoperative anxiety.…”

“…An assessor-blinded prospective randomized clinical trial reported that VR-based preoperative education effectively reduced anxiety and information desire in patients awaiting elective surgeries, enhancing their overall satisfaction 7 . Another research showed the use of VR and 3D-printing in cardiac surgery patient education, which significantly reduced preoperative anxiety and improved patients’ understanding of their procedures 8 . A randomized clinical trial showed that VR interventions for adult patients undergoing elective surgery were effective in lowering preoperative anxiety and stress while increasing preparedness and satisfaction 9 .…”

Clinical application of virtual reality in patients with cardiovascular disease: state of the art

“…A study by Grab et al explored the use of iVR patient education in the preoperative period, with the patient viewing 3D models of surgical procedures that illustrate the main steps of the surgery. Their results showed that VR with educational content improved patient understanding of surgery and reduced anxiety ( 29 ). Hendricks et al compared the effectiveness of iVR with sVR in reducing preoperative anxiety in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.…”

The Effectiveness of Virtual Reality on Anxiety and Pain Management in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Procedures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Subsequently, the full text of these articles was reviewed by two independent reviewers (ZB, SB), who assessed them based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. From this selection process, a total of 10 studies were identified, and out of these, seven studies were included in the metaanalysis [21,[31][32][33][34][35][36], while three studies were included in the narrative synthesis [19,20,37].…”