Evaluating the Impact of Virtual Reality on Pain and Anxiety Management in Women Post-Hysterectomy: A Tertiary Care Study

Abstract

Background: Virtual reality (VR) technology is a promising non-pharmacological intervention to reduce postoperative pain and anxiety. This study investigated the efficacy of VR therapy with respect to its capacity to lower pain and anxiety in women undergoing elective hysterectomy.Methods: The study was a randomized controlled trial conducted among 60 women aged 40–60 years at a tertiary care hospital Puducherry. Subjects were split at random into either an experimental group (who spent 15 minutes in VR each of three consecutive post-operative days) or a control group (who were treated with standard post-operative care). The Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) was used to assess pain levels and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was used to rate anxiety levels. Results: The experimental group showed a significant reduction in pain scores from 8.9 to 5.7 (p < 0.001) and a decrease in anxiety levels from 3.8 to 3.3 (p = 0.001). By Day 3, 60% of participants reported moderate pain (compared to 100% very severe at baseline), and 90% were categorized as having normal anxiety. No significant associations were observed between demographic factors and outcome measures.Conclusion: VR therapy significantly reduced postoperative pain and anxiety among hysterectomy patients, highlighting its potential as an effective adjunct to standard postoperative care. The findings support broader implementation of immersive VR interventions to enhance patient recovery and satisfaction in surgical settings.