The Effect of Virtual Reality and Music Recital on Anxiety and Agitation in Patients Undergoing Spinal Anaesthesia

Virtual reality is a computer technology in which a virtual environment is simulated in three dimensions. This technology isolates the individual from real life by zooming the lenses to the patient's eyes through a headset known as virtual reality glasses. Recently, with technological developments, virtual reality applications have started to take place among nursing practices as non-pharmacological approaches that support pharmacological methods in clinical settings. Various studies have revealed that virtual reality as a distraction method plays an important role in alleviating anxiety and agitation experienced by patients.

Music application is an easy-to-apply and non-invasive non-pharmacological method. Music recitals give a feeling of relaxation by increasing the release of endorphin hormone in individuals and play an important role as a psychosocial intervention. Such activities reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve quality of life and have positive effects on physical symptoms and general well-being. In addition, the effects of music on respiratory rate, blood pressure and heart rate are also observed.

This study aims to evaluate the effects of virtual reality technology and music playback on anxiety, agitation and physiological parameters in patients undergoing spinal anaesthesia and to make important contributions to the literature in this context.

Inclusion criteria

• 18 years of age or older,
• Clear consciousness, able to communicate,
• No hearing-speech problems,
• Who volunteered to participate in the study,
• Patients who would undergo Urology, General Surgery, Orthopedics, Cardiovascular Surgery, Neurosurgery by spinal anaesthesia were included in the study.

Exclusion criteria

• Patients without spinal anaesthesia,
• Patients who participated in the study but voluntarily withdrew at any stage of the study or patients who had to withdraw involuntarily during the operation were not included in the study.