Virtual Reality Simulation to Improve Postoperative Cardiothoracic Surgical Patient Outcomes

Background Patients undergoing medical procedures benefit from preprocedural education. Objective To evaluate a multisensory virtual reality preoperative educational program for patients undergoing elective cardiovascular surgical procedures with postoperative recovery in the intensive care unit (ICU) and assess its impact on patients’ outcomes and experience. Methods Patients scheduled for elective cardiovascular surgical procedures with expected recovery in the ICU were enrolled. A multidisciplinary team designed the virtual reality simulation. Educational objectives focused on patient safety, family presence, ICU machinery and activities, reorientation, and communication with the care team. Historical control patients (n = 94) underwent medical record review and were contacted to complete surveys. Virtual reality simulation patients (n = 44) underwent medical record review, viewed the simulation at a preoperative appointment, and completed surveys. The study included patients admitted from June 4, 2019, to May 12, 2022. Results Durations of postoperative sedation and mechanical ventilation were lower in patients receiving virtual reality simulation. Most patients in the virtual reality simulation group (92%) said the simulation alleviated their anxiety and helped them understand what to expect in the ICU. The simulation improved their feeling of safety and decreased their fear of the unknown. Delirium incidence was not different in the 2 groups. Conclusions Preprocedural education via virtual reality simulation can improve the experience and outcomes of patients undergoing elective cardiothoracic surgery with recovery in the ICU.