Immersive augmented reality reduced preoperative stress
Using an app that explains how the surgery will go reduces patients' anxiety and preoperative worry.Researchers from the University of Miami suggest using AR apps for preoperative preparation of patients. They conducted a randomized study and showed that "interactive" instructions reduce fear of the unknown.
For the study, the researchers selected patients at University Hospital who were about to undergo elective orthopedic surgery. The 95 patients were randomized into two groups. The first group received standardized written preoperative instructions explaining the nature of the future surgery. The second group was additionally given a three-minute augmented reality journey from the room to the operating room.
The researchers used a standardized anxiety questionnaire. All patients were interviewed twice before the operation and twice after. The analysis showed that the group that used the AR app to prepare patients had lower levels of anxiety before the procedure than the control group. After surgery, anxiety was identical in both groups.
Upcoming surgery can be intimidating, causing anxiety and stress, the study authors noted. Although preoperative anxiety varies with age, previous experience and staff behavior, on average about half of all patients experience significant fear of surgery.
Utilizing new technologies that help remove the sense of the unknown and familiarize patients with the upcoming procedure can help reduce such fear.