BACKGROUND: Immersive virtual reality (VR) technology offers a non-invasive, non-pharmacological approach to reduce pain perception in patients undergoing diagnostic or interventional procedures.
OBJECTIVE: To systematically evaluate the efficacy of immersive VR technology in reducing pain perception during obstetric and gynaecological procedures.
SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and CINAHL databases from inception to January 2025.
SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating VR interventions in women undergoing obstetric or gynaecological procedures.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We performed meta-analyses using random-effects models and assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomised trials.
MAIN RESULTS: 49 RCTs (5355 participants) were included. Due to clinical heterogeneity, data were analysed separately. VR resulted in a larger, consistent reduction in pain scores compared with standard care in labour (11 studies; SMD -0.93, 95% CI -1.25 to -0.60) compared to minor procedures (29 studies; SMD -0.64, 95% CI -0.97 to -0.32). VR also significantly reduced anxiety scores in both labour (8 studies; SMD -1.13, 95% CI -1.80 to -0.45) and minor procedures (17 studies; SMD -0.74, 95% CI -1.18 to -0.29). Our analysis was limited by high levels of heterogeneity and variability in procedural protocols.
CONCLUSION: Immersive VR technology appears effective for reducing pain and anxiety during obstetric and gynaecological procedures, particularly during childbirth, despite substantial statistical heterogeneity. Further research is needed to optimise implementation strategies and establish clinical practice guidelines.
| Discipline Area | Score |
|---|---|
| Physician |  |
Physician rater
The presented article is very useful in the medical field. Non-pharmacological approaches to address pain and anxiety resulting from medical procedures have gained significant attention. Virtual reality (VR) technology is a relatively recent addition to healthcare interventions, involving the use of computer-generated stimulation viewed through a headset. VR alters the processing of nociceptive stimuli by stimulating the visual cortex, producing similar effects to the sensory cortex as opioids do, suggesting an analgesic potential. In recent years, there has been a substantial improvement in the cost, quality, and accessibility of VR devices for pain management across different medical disciplines, including obstetrics and gynecology (O&G). The results from the review pointed to VR as a safe and effective non-pharmacological option for pain and anxiety management during O&G procedures, particularly during childbirth. Further research in this area should continue.
Physician rater
This meta-analysis of RCTs showed technologies like Immersive VR may be effective for reducing pain and anxiety during obstetric and gynaecological procedures, particularly during childbirth, even though there is a substantial statistical heterogeneity.
, McMaster University