The use of virtual reality in patient education related to medical somatic treatment: A scoping review

Marijke van der Linde-van den Bor, Fiona Slond, Omayra C.D. Liesdek, Willem J. Suyker, Saskia W.M. Weldam*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

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Abstract

Objective: To map the available evidence on the context, content and outcome of VR in patient education in situations related to preparation for medical somatic treatment. Methods: A Scoping review. In October 2020, the Embase, CINAHL, MEDLINE and PsycINFO databases were searched with the terms ‘Virtual Reality’ and ‘Patient Education’. The literature was synthesised and mapped with a narrative approach. Results: 17 studies published between 2015 and 2020 were included in the qualitative synthesis. VR was applied in (paediatric) surgery and radiation therapy treatment. VR interventions were heterogeneous regarding technical applications, context of implementation, guidance by healthcare professionals and integration in education sessions. Anxiety reduction was demonstrated significantly in some studies. Patients experienced VR education useful; it enhanced understanding, improved communication with healthcare professionals and encouraged treatment compliance. Conclusions: The application of VR in patient education is a promising technology. Patients are highly satisfied and experience enhanced understanding. VR education was not effective in reducing all anxiety, pain and stress and improving preparedness for treatment. Practice implications It is important to develop VR interventions profoundly. The application of a methodological framework for VR development is recommended. Involve patients, educationalists and technology professionals in the development of technology interventions.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1828-1841
Number of pages14
JournalPatient Education and Counseling
Volume105
Issue number7
Early online date29 Dec 2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2022

Keywords

  • Anxiety
  • Patient education
  • Patient experience
  • Understanding
  • Virtual reality

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