Effect of Virtual Reality (VR) Guided Meditation on Patient Anxiety Level during the Operative Period after Axillary Brachial Plexus Block

Abstract

Background and aims: We aimed to explore an innovative alternative to traditional sedation for patients undergoing hand surgery under re- gional anaesthesia. We used virtual reality (VR)-guided meditation and measured patient anxiety levels before and after the operation, as well as intra-operative bispectral index (BIS) and haemodynamic parameters. Methods: A prospective observational study of 25 patients undergoing hand surgery under regional anaesthesia with VR-guided meditation continued throughout the operation. We assessed preoperative anxiety and stress scores via a questionnaire, which most patients completed themselves. After the operation, all patients completed a well-being survey regarding the VR experience. Results: We observed excellent patient satisfaction, stress reduction, intraoperative haemodynamic stability, and a significant reduction in BIS with VR-guided meditation. Conclusion: VR-guided meditation may be an appealing alternative to sedation for patients undergoing awake block hand surgery. VR significantly reduced anxiety and stress during awake hand surgery and lowered BIS values, indicating a relaxed mental state without sedative medication.