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As the healthcare sector progressively adopting emerging technologies, virtual reality (VR) is set to revolutionize the care space. From developing new life-saving methods to training the doctors of the future, the technology has the number of applications for the healthcare industry.

In a recent study, it found that the utilization of VR in healthcare can improve patients’ tolerance of local anesthesia for orthopedic procedures. It can also lessen the need for intravenous sedation, also called monitored anesthesia care (MAC), by at least 50%.

Researchers at Brussels-based CUB Erasmus Hospital conducted a randomized trial found that VR hypnosis distraction (VRHD) could reduce anxiety and procedure-related pain without the side effects and recovery time related to traditional intravenous sedation.

According to CUB Erasmus Hospital’s Dragos Chirnoaga, MD, who co-led the research, “Given the immersive and distracting nature of the virtual reality experience, this technology has the ability to act as a preventive intervention transforming local anesthesia into a less distressing and potentially pain-free medical procedure.”

Examining Local Anesthesia

In the randomized trial, researchers examined the hypothesis that VRHD could lessen the necessity for intravenous sedation by at least 50 percent during local anesthesia for patients.

Researchers randomized 60 adults who scheduled for shoulder, hand, or knee surgeries with local anesthesia and classified into 3 groups of 20 patients each. In the first group, researchers tested standard intravenous sedation during local anesthesia was administered without VHRD. In the second group, VRHD was used during local anesthesia, and intravenous sedation was given if patients reported pain scores of more than 3 out of 10. And in the third group, VRHD was used before and during local anesthesia, and intravenous sedation is given if patients reported pain scores more than 3.

The evaluations further indicated that just 25 percent of patients receiving VRHD during local anesthesia required intravenous sedation. Conversely, only 10 percent of patients given VRHD before and during local anesthesia needed further sedation. Additionally, patients receiving VRHD demonstrated similar ease and satisfaction before and during the procedure as those given intravenous sedation.

CUB Erasmus Hospital's Delphine Van Hecke, MD, who also co-led the study observed that “Virtual reality hypnosis distraction is feasible, well tolerated, and liked by patients.” According to him, “While it is not clear exactly how virtual reality works to reduce anxiety and pain, it's thought that it creates a distraction that stops the mind feeling pain. Further studies should focus on other procedures suited for the use of VRHD, particularly its potential benefit in children as premedication or during low pain procedures.”

VR hypnosis distraction (VRHD) is the method of providing a valuable drug-free alternative for pain management without side effects of traditional intravenous sedation. It comprised wearing VR goggles and headphones to watch video contents, with a calming voice directing the journey.

According to the market trends and insights, the market for healthcare virtual reality is expected to grow at a CAGR of 53% through 2023. Healthcare centers or organizations can leverage this emerging tech in several ways, including training healthcare practitioners, medical professionals, and patients regarding surgical and therapeutic diagnoses. VR systems can make easy for surgeons or doctors to visualize operating areas, as well as strengthening the efficiency of image-guided surgeries.