The Effects of 360-degree Virtual Reality on Pre-procedural Anxiety in Patients Awaiting Elective Cardiac Surgery Involving a Sternotomy

Rationale: Patients awaiting cardiac surgery can experience pre-procedural anxiety. This anxiety is associated with increased analgesic needs, increased risk of mortality and prolonged recovery time. Adequate patient education can help diminish pre-procedural anxiety and minimize postoperative complications. Recent studies have demonstrated that Virtual Reality (VR) can function as a useful tool to diminish pre-procedural anxiety in several medical fields. Especially 360 degree VR could familiarize patients with their clinical pathway. Nevertheless, limited to no research on the application of 360 degree VR has been conducted in the context of cardiothoracic surgery yet. Objective: The aim of this study is to explore the effects and possible benefits of 360 degree VR on pre-procedural anxiety in patients awaiting elective cardiac surgery involving a sternotomy, compared to standard forms of patient education. Study design: Single-center, randomized controlled trial Study population: Patients aged 18 or older awaiting elective cardiac surgery involving a sternotomy.

NCT Number	NCT06001489
Lead Sponsor	Academisch Medisch Centrum - Universiteit van Amsterdam (AMC-UvA)
Conditions	Cardiac Valve Disease, Aortic Valve Disease, Mitral Valve Disease, Tricuspid Valve Disease
Enrollment	100 participants
Start Date	2023-07-01
Primary Completion	2024-08 (estimated)
Study Completion	2024-12 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2024-07-10