Implementation of Virtual Reality in Nuclear Medicine

Introduction: In the field of medicine, diagnostic tests are essential for the early detection and effective treatment of various diseases. However, these tests often cause patients significant pain and anxiety, which can affect their experience and their willingness to undergo future medical procedures. The use of Virtual Reality can mitigate these effects, improving the experience and thereby the cooperation of patients undergoing painful and complex procedures. Objective: To evaluate the effect of using Virtual Reality on pain and anxiety in patients undergoing a complex diagnostic procedure. Method: A randomized, parallel-group, 1:1 (control/intervention) superiority trial comparing the use of the conventional technique (Group 1) with the ReViMed technique (Group 2) via random assignment, with a sample size of 72 pediatric patients and 110 adult patients for each arm. The M-YPAS scale will be used to measure anxiety levels in children, and the DASS-21 for anxiety in adult patients; the pain assessment scale for all participants will be the EVA-VAS. Impact: The implementation of VR use represents an effective distraction process for reducing anxiety and pain experienced by patients undergoing highly complex diagnostic tests.