Efficacy of a Virtual Reality Program in Pediatric Surgery to Reduce Anxiety and Distress Symptoms in the Preoperative Phase: A Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial

Our preliminary results showed that VR is safe and effective to relieve anxiety and improve relaxation in the preoperative period in pediatric patients undergoing elective surgery. The VR experience resulted in decreased overall anxiety and increased overall positive affect during the preoperative period in VR group compared with the control group. Further studies are needed to investigate this technology in the postoperative phase and on a larger patient cohort.