Virtual Reality During Burn Dressing: Are Patients Satisfied With Their Experiences?

PURPOSE: The study aimed to explore the experiences of burn patients who used virtual reality (VR) headsets during burn dressing procedures, focusing on their perceptions of pain, comfort, and interaction with nurses.

DESIGN

A qualitative descriptive study was conducted using descriptive content analysis to explore patients' experiences with VR during burn care.

METHODS

Ten adult burn patients participated in the study. They were mostly male, with a mean age of 42 years, and had seconddegree burns covering 10%-18% of their total body surface area. Semi-structured interviews were conducted after dressing procedures, and data were analyzed using descriptive content analysis to identify key themes and patterns.

RESULTS

Three main themes emerged: attention diversion, nurse-patient relationship, and user experience. Most participants reported that VR distracted them from pain and made the dressing process more tolerable. They expressed high satisfaction and a desire to use VR in future dressings. However, some disadvantages were noted, including reduced communication with nurses, limited visual awareness, and discomfort from headset use (e.g., dizziness, headache, pressure around the head). Ergonomic and adjustable headset designs were perceived to enhance comfort and usability.

CONCLUSIONS

VR use during burn dressing procedures can provide effective distraction and pain control. Despite minor discomforts and communication challenges, patients' overall experiences were positive.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Integrating VR into burn dressing care may improve patient comfort and satisfaction. Optimizing headset design and maintaining effective nurse-patient communication can enhance the therapeutic benefits of VR in clinical burn management.