The effect of virtual reality applications on the anxiety levels of emergency department physicians during 24-h shifts

This study aims to investigate the effects of virtual reality (VR) interventions on the state anxiety levels of residents working 24-h shifts in an emergency department. This study utilizes a single-center, simulation-based, quasi-experimental design. In the study's first phase, participants' anxiety levels were measured using the STAI-I scale during their shifts, between 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM (Pre-Rest) and after a 10-min rest, a second measurement was performed (Post-Rest). In the second phase, anxiety levels were measured during the same time interval in their next shift (pre-VR), followed by another evaluation after 10 min of using a VR headset (Post-VR). The effects of rest and VR use on state anxiety levels compared. A total of 26 emergency medicine residents participated in the study. The mean age of the participants was 29 ± 2.6 years, with an equal gender distribution. The median pre-rest anxiety score was 46 (28-68), while the post-rest median was 43 (22-62), with a statistically significant difference (p = 0.02). The median anxiety score before VR use was 47 (25-73), and after VR use, it decreased to 30 (20-73), which was significant (p = 0.001). When comparing the changes in anxiety levels after rest and VR use, the median Δanxiety rest was 4.5 (- 17-25), whereas the median Δanxiety VR was 11.5 (- 21-47) (p = 0.017). Based on our study's results, a 10-min VR session during a 24-h shift reduces emergency physicians' state anxiety levels and is more effective than a rest break.