Virtual reality for improvement of patient experience during endovenous laser ablation for venous insufficiency

Abstract Background Chronic venous insufficiency is a commonly underdiagnosed, highly prevalent disease that causes significant patient morbidity. Objectives The aim of this study is to assess the utility of virtual reality (VR) during outpatient endovenous laser ablation procedures with the goal of reducing patient‐reported anxiety or pain. The authors also sought to examine the effects on patient‐reported overall satisfaction. Methods Patients completed a two‐part survey interrupted by an immersive VR experience. Differences in the pre‐ and post‐VR surveys were compared using a chi‐square test. The pain scores were compared using a t ‐test. Results The pre‐VR mean Beck Anxiety Inventory score was 1.41, decreasing post‐VR to 1.33 (a reduction of 0.08; p < 0.001). There were statistically significant differences for 3 questions including 'Are you currently feeling fear of the worst happening' ( p = 0.04), 'Are you currently feeling nervous' ( p < 0.001), and 'Are you currently feeling scared' ( p = 0.04). Conclusions Overall, our study demonstrates that a VR experience during endovenous laser ablations significantly improved measures of anxiety and patient satisfaction.