EP21.09: A pilot study to evaluate the use of virtual reality as a distraction technique during manual vacuum aspiration

To evaluate the impact of virtual reality (VR) as a distraction technique during manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) treatment of miscarriage on procedural pain, anxiety and overall experience. Pain and anxiety were measured using subjective assessment and a numeric rating scale (NSR 0-10) before, during and after the MVA and a 5-point Likert scale was used to rate overall experience and satisfaction in a questionnaire delivered in 2 phases. In phase 1, 32 consecutive women had an MVA by a single experienced operator without the use of VR and were asked to complete the questionnaire. In phase 2, 43 women undergoing an MVA were offered the use of Green Meadow Nature Treks on the oculus VR headset. 65% (28/43) chose to use it and completed the questionnaire. Most women who used VR reported that it helped to reduce procedural anxiety and pain (89% (25/28) and 82% (23/28) respectively) and 93% (26/28) said using VR improved their overall MVA experience. Before the procedure mean anxiety scores were 35% higher (p 0.02) in the VR group (5.5) compared to the group without VR (4.06). However, there was no significant difference between groups in pain scores or anxiety scores during or following the procedure. Rates of satisfaction were high in both groups; 93% very satisfied in the VR group and 88% in the group without VR. 75% would choose MVA in the future or recommend to friends of family if required, and 97% rated their experience as good or excellent in both groups. Overall patient experience and satisfaction following an MVA is high. VR was found to be useful by those who used it with high perceived anxiety and pain reduction as well as improved overall experience. Those who chose to use VR had a significantly higher baseline anxiety score which could have influenced lack of difference in procedural pain and anxiety scores. To avoid this bias a larger randomised study should be performed.