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Effects of Virtual Reality on Anxiety, Stress, Pain, and Patient Satisfaction Among Palestinian Patients Undergoing Colonoscopy: Randomized Controlled Trial

Year: 2026

Type: article

Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial

Abstract: ABSTRACT Background and Aims Colonoscopy frequently causes significant pre‐procedural anxiety and intra‐procedural pain. This randomized controlled trial evaluated immersive, culturally adapted virtual reality (VR) therapy on anxiety, perceived stress, pain, patient satisfaction, and hemodynamic stability in Palestinian adults undergoing colonoscopy. Methods In a single‐blinded RCT, 150 patients were randomized to VR ( n = 75) or standard care ( n = 75). All received standard pharmacological sedation; the VR group additionally received culturally adapted passive VR distraction. Primary outcomes: State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Perceived Stress Scale‐10 (PSS‐10). Secondary outcomes: pain (VAS/NRS), satisfaction, and hemodynamic parameters. Intention‐to‐treat analysis was applied. Results The VR group showed significantly greater reductions in post‐procedural state‐anxiety (29.7 vs. 38.0; p < 0.001; Cohen's d = 1.25) and perceived stress (19.1 vs. 23.9; p < 0.001; d = 0.93). VR patients reported lower pain (VAS 6.4 vs. 8.6; p < 0.001; d = 1.39) and higher satisfaction (84.9 vs. 63.2; p < 0.001; d = 1.70). Heart rates were significantly lower at 30 and 45 min intra‐operatively ( p < 0.001 and p = 0.002). VR‐related side effects were minimal (4.0% mild transient dizziness). Conclusion Immersive, culturally adapted VR is a highly effective, safe adjunct that significantly reduces anxiety, stress, and pain while improving satisfaction and hemodynamic stability during colonoscopy. Healthcare institutions should consider integrating VR into routine endoscopic care. Relevance to Clinical Practice VR is a cost‐effective, patient‐centered strategy that may reduce sedation needs and enhance colorectal cancer screening adherence. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT07145203 (registered 21 August 2025).

Source: Health Science Reports

DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.72420

Authors: Khulud Mansor, Ibrahim Aqtam, Mustafa Shouli

Institution: Nablus University for Vocational and Technical Education

Language: English

Topic: Virtual Reality Applications and Impacts

Subfield: Human-Computer Interaction

Field: Computer Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,280