Effect of augmented reality on perioperative anxiety

Editor's Note

This study from the University of Miami examines the effect of a preoperative walkthrough of a patient’s day of surgery using augmented reality (AR) on perioperative anxiety levels.

A total of 95 patients undergoing elective orthopedic surgery at an outpatient surgery center were randomized to an AR intervention treatment group (46 patients) or a standard instructions control group (49 patients). The main outcome was change in State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scores.

The researchers found that:

• The AR group experienced a significant decrease in preoperative anxiety scores, while the control group experienced an increase.
• Both groups experienced a decrease in anxiety scores postoperatively.
• Of 42 patients in the AR group who completed a postoperative follow-up survey, 71.4% agreed or strongly agreed that they enjoyed the experience, 69% agreed or strongly agreed that they would recommend the experience, and 66.7% agreed or strongly agreed that they would use the experience again.
• There were no differences in postoperative pain levels or narcotics use between groups.

The findings suggest that AR may be an effective means of decreasing preoperative anxiety, the researchers say.