The effect of virtual reality glasses on reducing pain during chest tube removal

Background: The studies that generally investigate the effectiveness of pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods in reducing chest tube removal related pain are remarkable. However, new studies need to expand the use of virtual reality glasses and evaluate its effectiveness. Aim: This study aims to determine the effect of distraction with virtual reality glasses on pain during chest tube removal in patients undergoing tube thoracostomy. Material and methods: This quasi-experimental study with a pre-test post-test control group design was performed with the participation of 40 patients. The patients in the intervention group (n=20) watched the video with virtual reality glasses throughout procedure. Pain measurements were evaluated before, during, and after chest tube removal. The patients in the control group (n=20) received standard care. Results: In the intervention group, it was revealed that the pre-procedure pain score decreased compared to the pain score obtained during the procedure (p=0.002). After the chest tube removal procedure, a statistically significant decrease was observed in pain score in favor of the intervention group. In the intervention group, the pre-procedure pain score was found to decrease statistically significantly in the measurement at the 10th min of the procedure (p=0.000). The pain score of the intervention group 10 min after the chest tube removal procedure was lower than that of the control group (1.80 vs 2.95 and p=0.028). Conclusion: The virtual reality glasses assisted chest tube removal procedure can help reduce pain. Surgical nurses should benefit from the use of virtual reality glasses for pain control.