Effects of Virtual Reality After Liver Transplantation

This study was designed as a prospective, randomized controlled, single-blind trial to evaluate the effects of a virtual reality intervention on pain, fatigue, and vital signs in patients during the early postoperative period after liver transplantation.

Liver transplantation is a life-saving procedure; however, patients frequently experience postoperative symptoms such as pain and fatigue, which may negatively affect recovery, physiological stability, and overall patient comfort. Non-pharmacological interventions have gained increasing attention in recent years as supportive approaches to improve postoperative outcomes. Virtual reality is an emerging technology that provides immersive distraction and relaxation, potentially reducing symptom perception and enhancing patient well-being.

The study was conducted in the organ transplantation clinic of a university hospital between May 2025 and January 2026. A total of 84 patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (n=42) or the control group (n=42) using a computer-based randomization method.

Patients in the experimental group received a 20-minute virtual reality intervention during the early postoperative period, while patients in the control group received standard care without additional intervention. Pain levels were assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), fatigue levels were measured using the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI), and vital signs including heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure were recorded. All measurements were obtained before the intervention and 15 minutes after the intervention.

The primary objective of the study was to determine the effect of virtual reality on fatigue levels. Secondary outcomes included pain and vital signs. Data were analysed using appropriate statistical methods, and statistical significance was set at p<0.05.

This study aims to contribute to the evidence base regarding the effectiveness of virtual reality as a non-pharmacological nursing intervention and to support its integration into clinical practice to improve postoperative care in liver transplantation patients.

Inclusion criteria

• Age ≥18 years
• Underwent liver transplantation
• In the early postoperative period
• Able to communicate verbally
• No diagnosed psychiatric disorder
• Hemodynamically stable
• Pain score ≥4 on the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS)
• Willing to participate in the study

Exclusion criteria

• Presence of severe postoperative complications
• Cognitive impairment or inability to understand instructions
• Visual or hearing impairments preventing use of virtual reality
• History of motion sickness or vertigo related to virtual reality use
• Chronic diseases that may affect fatigue or vital signs (e.g., uncontrolled cardiovascular or respiratory diseases)
• Refusal to participate