Efficacy of virtual reality interventions in reducing preoperative anxiety in pediatric patients undergoing general anesthesia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Virtual reality reduces preoperative anxiety in children before general anesthesia
Efficacy of virtual reality interventions in reducing preoperative anxiety in pediatric patients undergoing general anesthesia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
To evaluate the effectiveness of virtual reality (virtual reality) interventions in reducing preoperative anxiety in pediatric patients undergoing general anesthesia, and provide evidence to inform clinical decision-making.
The study included randomized clinical trials (randomized clinical trials) of virtual reality-based interventions (both immersive and non-immersive) compared to standard treatments or placebo controls.
vr cuts children's anxiety before anesthesia, less anxious with vr
The studies, published between 2017 and 2024, involved children from diverse regions, including South Korea, China, the United States, and others.
Immersive virtual reality showed a slightly higher effect in attracting children's attention and alleviating anxiety compared to non-immersive virtual reality.
Younger children (aged 3-6) exhibited a higher acceptance of virtual reality and greater anxiety reduction, while older children (aged 7 and above) demonstrated less interest in virtual reality interventions.
Anxiety reduction was more pronounced for minor procedures but less effective for complex surgeries.
Virtual reality-based interventions, particularly immersive virtual reality, are effective in reducing preoperative anxiety in pediatric patients undergoing general anesthesia.
The efficacy is influenced by the child's age, the type of surgery, and the specific virtual reality content used.
These findings support the clinical application of virtual reality as a tool for anxiety management in pediatric anesthesia settings.