Patients who wore video glasses showing pleasant movies or TV shows during interventional radiology procedures were less anxious than those who underwent procedures without glasses, concludes a new study presented at the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) annual meeting in San Diego.
"Whether they were watching a children's movie or a nature show, patients wearing video glasses were successful at tuning out their surroundings," said lead author Dr. David Waldman, PhD, professor and chair of imaging sciences at the University of Rochester Medical Center, in a statement. "It's an effective distraction technique that helps focus the individual's attention away from the treatment."
The 49 patients (33 men, 16 women; ages 18-87) all underwent outpatient interventional radiology treatments. Prior to undergoing treatment, 25 of the patients put on the video glasses and 24 did not. The patients were able to choose from among 20 videos, none of which included violent content.
Anxiety was assessed via the 20-question State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Form Y before and after the procedures. Patients who wore the video glasses were 18.1% less anxious post-treatment; however, those who skipped the glasses were only 7.5% less anxious after their procedure, the study team found.
Having the video glasses didn't disturb the patients or the doctors, Waldman noted. There was no significant effect on blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, pain, procedure time, or the amount of sedation or pain medication.
The facility now offers the video glasses to help distract patients during medical treatments, according to Waldman. "It is really comforting for patients, especially the ones who tend to be more nervous," he said.
