VR Improves Patient Calm & Satisfaction During Shock Wave Lithotripsy | EAU24

Virtual reality (VR) is showing promise as a tool to ease patient anxiety and improve understanding before a common procedure to treat kidney stones, according to research presented this week at the European Association of Urology Congress (EAU26) in London. The study suggests that a VR experience explaining the process of shock wave lithotripsy – a non-invasive treatment using sound waves to break up kidney stones – can significantly boost patient confidence and reduce pre-procedure nervousness, particularly among older adults.

Understanding Shock Wave Lithotripsy and the Challenge of Informed Consent

Shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) is a frequently used method for managing kidney stones. The procedure works by directing high-energy sound waves at the stones, fragmenting them into smaller pieces that can then be passed naturally. While generally safe, undergoing any medical procedure can be a source of anxiety for patients. A crucial part of preparing for treatment is informed consent – ensuring patients fully understand what to expect, including potential risks and benefits. However, traditional methods of conveying this information, like written leaflets, often fall short.

Around 6 in 10 adults in England struggle to grasp complex medical information, hindering their ability to make truly informed decisions about their care. This is where the potential of VR comes into play. Researchers are exploring whether immersive, visual explanations can bridge the gap between medical jargon and patient comprehension.

How the VR Experience Works

The study, led by consultant urological surgeons Bhaskar Somani and Amelia Pietropaolo at University Hospital Southampton, involved 150 participants aged 22 to 80. Before consenting to undergo SWL, patients were given the opportunity to experience a virtual reality simulation of the procedure. As described in reports from the European Association of Urology and eCancer, the VR experience placed patients in a virtual operating room. They could then observe a detailed, three-dimensional demonstration of SWL, with the simulation zooming in to show how shockwaves interact with kidney stones. Crucially, patients weren’t passive observers; they could move around the virtual space to view the anatomy and surgical instruments from different angles. The animation also clearly highlighted potential risks and benefits associated with the procedure.

Key Findings: Reduced Anxiety and Improved Understanding

Researchers assessed patient feelings using questionnaires both before and after the VR experience. The results indicated a clear positive impact. Patients reported a better understanding of what to expect during SWL and, importantly, experienced a reduction in anxiety levels. The benefit was particularly noticeable in patients aged 65 and above, suggesting VR may be especially helpful for older individuals who might find it harder to process complex medical information through traditional means. There was no significant difference in the VR’s impact based on gender.

The technology behind this VR simulation was developed by Phoebe Reynolds, director of UK-based medical technology company Surgassists. This highlights the growing role of specialized companies in bringing innovative solutions to healthcare.

What the Study Doesn’t Tell Us

While the findings are encouraging, it’s important to acknowledge the study’s limitations. The research focused specifically on patients undergoing SWL. It remains to be seen whether similar VR experiences would be equally effective for other medical procedures. The study also relied on self-reported questionnaires to measure anxiety levels, which can be subject to bias. The long-term impact of the VR experience on patient outcomes – such as adherence to post-procedure instructions – wasn’t assessed. The study, as reported by EMJ Reviews, did not investigate whether VR impacted pain levels during or after the procedure.

The Broader Context of VR in Healthcare

The use of VR in healthcare is expanding rapidly. Beyond pre-procedure education, VR is being explored for pain management, rehabilitation, and even mental health therapy. The immersive nature of VR can distract patients from discomfort, provide a safe environment for practicing skills, and offer new avenues for treating psychological conditions. However, widespread adoption of VR in healthcare faces challenges, including cost, accessibility, and the need for robust clinical evidence demonstrating its effectiveness.

Hospital Surveillance Signals Potential for Wider Adoption

The success of this study at University Hospital Southampton may encourage other hospitals to explore VR as a standard part of their pre-procedure consent process. Monitoring patient feedback and outcomes in different settings will be crucial to determine the scalability and generalizability of this approach.

What Comes Next: Further Research and Implementation

The researchers plan to conduct further studies to investigate the optimal design of VR experiences for different procedures and patient populations. Future research will also focus on assessing the long-term benefits of VR, such as improved patient satisfaction and reduced rates of post-operative complications. The European Association of Urology will likely continue to monitor research in this area and may issue updated guidance on the use of VR in urological practice as more evidence becomes available. For patients considering SWL or other medical procedures, discussing the possibility of a VR experience with their clinician is a reasonable step.