The Effectiveness of an Educational Virtual Reality Video on Relieving Patient Anxiety Prior to Cardiac Catheterization

ABSTRACT

Objectives: Cardiac Catheterization which is commonly known as Coronary angiography (CAG) serves as a vital diagnostic tool for coronary artery disease (CAD) identification. Patients undergoing this procedure often encounter pre-CAG anxiety, which can adversely impact the overall treatment process. The utilization of virtual reality (VR) technology presents a novel educational approach to alleviate pre-catheterization anxiety among patients, showcasing promising potential. This study sought to evaluate the efficacy of an educational virtual reality video in reducing anxiety levels among patients undergoing coronary angiography. Methods: In this interventional study, 108 patients undergoing coronary angiography were divided into two groups. The experimental group viewed an educational VR video via immersive headsets, while the control group watched the same content in the most common 2-Dimentional flat format using a tablet. Anxiety levels were measured using the State Anxiety Inventory (SAI) before and after the intervention. Results: In the post intervention phase, the experimental group showed a significant decrease in mean anxiety levels from 49.91 ± 6.72 to 38.94 ± 8.92, with a notable difference compared to the control group (P < 0.001). Conclusion: These findings highlight the potential of virtual reality training as a non-pharmacological intervention to effectively mitigate anxiety among CAG patients.

KEYWORDS

• Virtual Reality
• Anxiety
• Patients
• Cardiac Catheterization
• Coronary Angiography

Showing references and in-text citations exactly as published.

• DOI10.18549/PharmPract.2025.3.3135Copy

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