The effect of virtual reality distraction on haemodialysis patients’ pain and anxiety during arteriovenous fistula puncture: a randomised controlled trial

Background: Pain and anxiety during arteriovenous fistula (AVF) puncture are crucial factors affecting
haemodialysis (HD) patients’ quality of life.
Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the effect of virtual reality (VR) distraction on pain, anxiety,
satisfaction and haemodynamics during AVF puncture.
Methods: This randomised controlled trial study was conducted in a Haemodialysis unit at Mansoura
University Hospital. Ninety-six patients were randomly divided into the intervention (n = 48) and control
(n = 48) groups. Six minutes prior to the puncture, patients in the intervention group used VR glasses to
experience a 360° ‘Relax River VR tour’, whereas patients in the control group received no intervention.
Results: Following the intervention, pain, anxiety, systolic blood pressure and heart rate were significantly
lower, and satisfaction scores were significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group
(p < 0.05).
Conclusion: VR distraction may help alleviate pain, anxiety and increase satisfaction. It may be considered
a safe and cost-effective non-pharmacological therapy for HD patients undergoing AVF puncture.