The Effects of 360-degree Virtual Reality on Pre-procedural Anxiety in Patients Awaiting Elective Cardiac Surgery Involving a Sternotomy

Summary

Rationale: Patients awaiting cardiac surgery can experience pre-procedural anxiety. This anxiety is associated with increased analgesic needs, increased risk of mortality and prolonged recovery time. Adequate patient education can help diminish pre-procedural anxiety and minimize postoperative complications. Recent studies have demonstrated that Virtual Reality (VR) can function as a useful tool to diminish pre-procedural anxiety in several medical fields. Especially 360 degree VR could familiarize patients with their clinical pathway. Nevertheless, limited to no research on the application of 360 degree VR has been conducted in the context of cardiothoracic surgery yet. Objective: The aim of this study is to explore the effects and possible benefits of 360 degree VR on pre-procedural anxiety in patients awaiting elective cardiac surgery involving a sternotomy, compared to standard forms of patient education. Study design: Single-center, randomized controlled trial Study population: Patients aged 18 or older awaiting elective cardiac surgery involving a sternotomy.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients awaiting elective cardiac surgery involving a sternotomy
* 18 years or older

Exclusion Criteria:

* Under the age of 18
* History of previous cardiac surgery
* (concomitant) aortic surgery
* Cardiac surgery for congenital heart defects
* Hearing or visual impairments
* Language barriers (inability to understand, speak or read Dutch)
* History of severe mental or psychiatric disorders

Conditions6

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