Gastroenterol Nurs. 2026 Jan-Feb 01;49(1):9-16. doi: 10.1097/SGA.0000000000000919. Epub 2026 Jan 23.
ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of virtual reality goggles on pain, anxiety, and comfort in patients undergoing non-sedated upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy. This randomized controlled study was conducted with 60 patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy in the endoscopy unit of a training and research hospital in Istanbul. The intervention group (n = 30) was shown videos of relaxing forest and bird sounds of their choice using virtual reality goggles during the procedure. The control group (n = 30) did not receive any intervention. Data were collected using a Patient Information Form, Visual Analog Scale, and State Anxiety Inventory. There was no statistically significant difference in pain, anxiety, and comfort scores before the endoscopy procedure between both groups. While there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of pain scores after the endoscopy procedure, there was a significant difference in terms of anxiety and comfort scores. Post-procedure anxiety scores were lower and comfort scores were significantly higher in the intervention group. This study concluded that the use of virtual reality goggles during the endoscopy procedure did not affect the pain levels of participants, while it had a positive effect on anxiety and comfort levels.
PMID:41576331 | DOI:10.1097/SGA.0000000000000919
