Research Questions Can Virtual Reality serve as a diversion and improve participant's
satisfaction and tolerability during the insertion of a small-bore intercostal chest drain?
Hypothesis VR leads to better satisfaction of participant during ICC insertion VR reduce pain
and anxiety during ICC insertion VR leads to better satisfaction of proceduralist during ICC
insertion
Type of Study This is a single center, prospective, interventional study of in-patient
participants who are diagnosed with pleural disease and under follow up Respiratory Unit
Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. All participants involved in
the study will be randomized by 4 block randomizations into either interventional group (VR)
or control group (without VR). All participants will be undergoing small bore ICC drain on
top of standard care during procedure.
Demographic data was collected prior to randomization, which included (age, gender,
ethnicity, BMI, comorbidities) and indications for ICC. The investigator then randomized into
2 groups via block randomization into intervention (VR) and controlled group (without VR).
Subsequently, consent will be obtained from those who are agree to participate, either from
the participant him/herself or their next-of-kin. The process of briefing and obtaining
consent will be only done once the participant is stable. These processes will not in any way
interfering with clinical evaluation, investigation, treatment and intervention done to the
participant by the attending doctor. All of the consented participants will be undergoing ICC
insertion.
Prior to the ICC insertion, vital signs will be recorded and both groups will be given a VAS
questionnaire to assess their pain and breathlessness. This is done to determine the
participant's baseline score pre-procedure. The pain score was measured by the use of
validated 10 cm VAS, a 10 cm line anchored with "no pain" at 0 cm and "unbearable pain" at 10
cm. The breathlessness VAS was measured with a similar scale which was anchored with "no
breathlessness" at 0 cm, and "worst possible breathlessness" at 10 cm. Participants will also
be given State-Trait-Anxiety-Inventory (STAI) questionnaire. It comprised of twenty
statements that assess how respondents feel "at the present time.". They were instructed to
circle the number that describes the intensity of their feelings concerning each question
best: 1, "not at all;" 2, "somewhat;" 3, "moderately so;" 4, "very much so.". The STAI has a
potential score range spanning from 20 to 80, and our study employed both English and a
verified translated version in Malay for the questionnaire.
After completing the questionnaires, participants in the interventional group will be given
the virtual reality (VR) device to wear, which was the Oculus Quest 2 (Oculus, China) before
ICC insertion. The device is owned by respiratory unit HCTM and had been utilized in previous
study. Videos of natural scenery were played for them while calming instrumental music played
in the background. Three-dimensional footage of natural landscapes from across the world was
played as participants listened to instrumental music through surround sound speakers. The
participants were given ten minutes of screening time prior to performing ICC, and after ICC
insertion was complete, the device was withdrawn. The VR device was sanitized before and
after each use, and participants were given disposable hygiene covers to prevent the risk of
pathogen transmission.
Local anaesthesia will be given as to the participants prior to the procedure at the site of
insertion. ICC insertion will be performed by 2 proceduralist with a 3-year experience in
performing ICC. Post-procedure, VAS questionnaires will be given to participant (on pain and
breathlessness), STAI questionnaire on anxiety and satisfaction questionnaire (Likert's
scale). These will be completed by the participants at 30 min post procedure. Vital signs of
participant will also be taken and recorded post procedure. The proceduralist will be given
satisfaction questionnaire upon completion of procedure