A Comparative Study of the effect of Virtual Reality and Shot Blocker Maneuver on Managing Pain, Anxiety, and Vital Signs in Patients during Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy: A Factorial, Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objective(s): The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of virtual reality and shot blocker on patients' pain, anxiety, and hemodynamic variables during the procedure.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial included 173 patients undergoing bone marrow aspiration and biopsy. The patients were randomly allocated to three intervention groups and one control group. The pain was measured with using a visual analogue scale. Anxiety was measured with the state trait anxiety inventory subscale, and hemodynamic variables were measured by the patient monitor device.

Results:  The data analysis showed that the three interventions were cross-compared, highly significant differences were found in pain and anxiety scores at p-value of .001. When both virtual reality and shot blocker interventions were applied, compared to virtual reality only and shot-blocker only, the mean rank of pain and anxiety was lower.  Significant differences were observed in HR, RR, SBP, and DBP across groups (all p < 0.001), while no significant difference was found in oxygen saturation (p = 0.127).

Conclusion: Virtual reality and shot blocker intervention are effective in stabilizing hemodynamic variables and reducing patient pain and anxiety during bone marrow aspiration and biopsy.  

Recommendations: The study recommends that virtual reality and shot blocker interventions are used simultaneously for patients undergoing bone marrow aspiration and biopsy