The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of a non-pharmacological intervention-the use of a virtual reality headset-on preoperative anxiety levels in patients. For this purpose, both psychometric instruments (STOA and APAIS questionnaires) and objective physiological and EEG parameters are used. Patients who do not receive any additional intervention will form the control group.
The study was designed as a prospective, randomized, controlled, interventional study at the University Hospital Bonn. Patients aged 18 years and older who are scheduled to undergo elective surgery and who have no visual, hearing, or language impairments will be included in the study.
The primary objective of the study is the reduction of preoperative anxiety. The hypothesis is that preoperative use of the VR headset reduces perioperative anxiety, stress, and pain.
Inclusion Criteria
- Age ≥ 18 years
- Written informed consent
- All consecutive patients undergoing elective, outpatient, or inpatient surgery
- No communication difficulties (e.g., hearing impairment) and good command of the German language
- No visual impairment
- Planned extubation immediately after surgery
Exclusion Criteria
- Patients undergoing emergency surgery
- Patients with documented psychiatric disorders (e.g., bipolar disorder), confusion, or epilepsy
- Individuals admitted due to a court or official order
- Expected non-compliance with the study protocol
- Expected admission to an intermediate care unit (IMC) or intensive care unit (ICU)
- Patients receiving sedative or anxiolytic medication for premedication
- Patients with pacemakers or defibrillators