The effect of virtual reality glasses on reducing pain during chest tube removal

Abstract

<b>Background:</b> The studies that generally investigate the effectiveness of pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods in reducing chest tube removal related pain are remarkable. However, new studies need to expand the use of virtual reality glasses and evaluate its effectiveness.<br /> <b>Aim</b>: This study aims to determine the effect of distraction with virtual reality glasses on pain during chest tube removal in patients undergoing tube thoracostomy.<br /> <b>Material and methods:</b> This quasi-experimental study with a pre-test post-test control group design was performed with the participation of 40 patients. The patients in the intervention group (n=20) watched the video with virtual reality glasses throughout procedure. Pain measurements were evaluated before, during, and after chest tube removal. The patients in the control group (n=20) received standard care.<br /> <b>Results:</b> In the intervention group, it was revealed that the pre-procedure pain score decreased compared to the pain score obtained during the procedure (p=0.002). After the chest tube removal procedure, a statistically significant decrease was observed in pain score in favor of the intervention group. In the intervention group, the pre-procedure pain score was found to decrease statistically significantly in the measurement at the 10th min of the procedure (p=0.000). The pain score of the intervention group 10 min after the chest tube removal procedure was lower than that of the control group (1.80 vs 2.95 and p=0.028).<br /> <b>Conclusion:</b> The virtual reality glasses assisted chest tube removal procedure can help reduce pain. Surgical nurses should benefit from the use of virtual reality glasses for pain control.

Effects of virtual reality on chest tube removal pain management in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting: a randomized clinical trial

“…In a study by Özkan et al, it was found that the use of distraction through VR glasses had a significant effect on pain management during CTR in patients undergoing thoracostomy with the diagnosis of pneumothorax without surgery. In this study, a notable decrease in pain was observed following CTR in the intervention group 39 . Other studies, such as those conducted by Orhan et al 39 , Menekli et al 41 and Karaveli Çakır et al 42 , have also found that the use of VR is effective in managing patients’ pain; these findings align with the results of the current study 40 – 42 .…”

“…In this study, a notable decrease in pain was observed following CTR in the intervention group 39 . Other studies, such as those conducted by Orhan et al 39 , Menekli et al 41 and Karaveli Çakır et al 42 , have also found that the use of VR is effective in managing patients’ pain; these findings align with the results of the current study 40 – 42 . Conversely, in a study by Laghlam et al 5 , while the use of VR was well-tolerated by patients following cardiac surgery, it did not yield positive results in managing the pain and anxiety associated with CTR when compared to an equimolar mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide (Kalinox ® ) used on the second day after cardiac surgery.…”