Does virtual reality in the perioperative setting for patient education improve understanding? A scoping review.

Background: The potential uses of Virtual Reality (VR) to educate patients perioperatively are now an emerging field of research. The objective of this scoping review is to assess the extent of the literature on how immersive VR is being used perioperatively to specifically improve patient understanding of their pathology or procedure.

Methods: A systematic search was carried out with inclusion criteria; adults (≥18 years old); use of immersive VR; perioperative setting for patient education.

Results: Twelve studies were reviewed, the majority of which were unpowered, non-randomised experimental trials. VR was mainly used during procedure consent to show patients a 3D anatomical model of the relevant anatomy. Subjective and objective patient understanding was improved after exposure to VR.

Conclusions: Continuing advances in VR technology will make this option more accessible to health care settings in the future and further research in this arena should prioritise statistically powered, high quality study design.