Comparing the Efficacy of Auditory Distractions Versus Virtual Reality on Pain Severity and Physiological Indicators During Burn Dressing Changes: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the effect of auditory distraction and virtual reality (VR) on pain severity and physiological indicators during burn dressing changes among adult patients.

DESIGN

A single-center, randomized controlled trial.

METHODS

A total of 60 patients were randomly assigned to the auditory distraction (n = 20), VR (n = 20), and control (n = 20) groups. All patients in the three groups received intravenous morphine at a dose of 0.05 mg/kg body weight, 15 minutes prior to the dressing change. The auditory distraction group listened to music during the dressing, while the VR group used a headset to view nature images throughout the dressing procedure. Data collection tools were the numeric pain scale, a checklist form of the physiological Indicators, and a pulse oximetry device.

RESULT: Statistically significant differences in pain severity were observed among the VR, auditory distraction, and control groups during dressing changes (p < .05). Despite all patients receiving intravenous morphine (0.05 mg/kg), both interventions led to greater pain reduction. Oxygen saturation and respiratory rates also differed significantly across groups (p < .05), with posthoc analysis confirming that both interventions were equally effective and superior to standard care.

CONCLUSIONS

This study's findings demonstrated that auditory distraction was as effective as VR techniques in reducing fluctuations in physiological indicators and pain severity during dressing changes in adult patients.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Nonpharmacological interventions can serve as effective adjuncts alongside pharmacological treatments in pain management nursing.