Evaluation of the Efficacy of Virtual Reality as a Therapeutic Method for Reducing Opioid Consumption in Postoperative Cardiac Surgery.

• Grant number: 23/12148-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: February 01, 2024
• End date: January 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Surgery
• Principal Investigator: Filomena Regina Barbosa Gomes Galas
• Grantee: David Duarte de Araujo
• Host Institution: Instituto do Coração Professor Euryclides de Jesus Zerbini (INCOR). Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da USP (HCFMUSP). Secretaria da Saúde (São Paulo - Estado). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Virtual Reality as a Therapeutic Method for Reducing Opioid Consumption in Postoperative Cardiac SurgeryIntroduction:Post-operative pain management is a pertinent concern due to the common utilization of opioids as a treatment, notwithstanding the potential side effects and associated risk of dependence. Given this backdrop, virtual reality (VR) emerges as a promising approach in pain management. Consequently, the objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of VR as a complementary therapy in reducing opioid consumption.Objective:This is a prospective randomized study aimed at investigating whether the use of virtual reality in the post-cardiac surgery recovery can reduce opioid consumption, improve patient satisfaction, and minimize the occurrence of side effects compared to the control group.Methodology:Three groups will be constituted: Group 1 will receive the standard anesthesia protocol combined with VR goggles containing the games Fruit Ninja 2 and First Contact; Group 2 will receive the standard anesthesia protocol combined with VR goggles containing contemplative image software Blue Planet and Wander; Group 3 will be the control group, receiving only the standard anesthesia protocol.At the end, parameters such as pain intensity, opioid consumption, patient satisfaction, and the occurrence of side effects will be evaluated. Data will be subjected to statistical analyses, including tests such as two-tailed t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, Chi-squared test, and Fisher's exact test, as per the suitability of each variable. A P<0.1 value in univariate analysis will be considered for the inclusion of significant variables in multivariate analysis, which will be performed at a significance level of P<0.05. At the conclusion of the study, results will be interpreted and published in a scientific article, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the field and providing evidence on the use of VR as an adjunct therapy in post-cardiac surgery recovery.Expected Results:It is anticipated that virtual reality therapy in the intervention groups (Group 1 and Group 2) will result in a significant reduction in opioid consumption compared to the control group. Furthermore, greater patient satisfaction and a lower incidence of side effects are expected in the intervention groups.Benefits:A reduction in pain and opioid consumption is expected, providing greater comfort and well-being to patients. Additionally, the use of VR is believed to lead to quicker recovery, reduced hospital stay, a lower occurrence of side effects, and potential cost savings in healthcare resources.Conclusion:The obtained results may indicate the widespread impacts of VR therapy and enhance clinical outcomes. Moreover, the implementation of VR can bring benefits such as cost reduction and a lower incidence of side effects.