Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA), a procedure performed to enhance the quality of life, is accompanied by postoperative challenges such as pain and anxiety that adversely affect patient comfort. Inadequate management of these complications can prolong the length of hospital stay, delay recovery, lead to functional impairments, and elevate the risk of chronic pain development. Conventional pharmacological interventions employed for management are limited due to their potential for adverse effects and dependency. Virtual reality (VR) is a non-pharmacological distraction technique utilized in the healthcare sector, leveraging advanced technology to maximize patient comfort by alleviating pain and minimizing anxiety.
A review of the literature reveals that while the use of VR has positive effects on pain and anxiety, there is a notable scarcity of high-quality randomized controlled trials concurrently evaluating its impact on pain, anxiety, and comfort levels in postoperative orthopedic procedures such as THA. In this randomized controlled trial, participants in the control group will receive standard care, whereas those in the experimental group will receive a 30-minute VR intervention-offering three distinct options-in addition to standard care during the acute phase of the first 48 hours. Postoperative assessments will be conducted using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain intensity, the State Anxiety Inventory for anxiety levels, and the Perianesthesia Comfort Scale for comfort levels.
By evaluating the potential of VR as a non-pharmacological adjuvant in post-THA care, the findings of this study will provide significant contributions to evidence-based nursing practices aimed at developing multimodal pain management strategies, reducing opioid consumption, and enhancing patient satisfaction.