Examination of the effects of virtual reality glasses and stress ball applications on pain, vital signs, anxiety, fear, satisfaction, and comfort levels during the dressing changes in patients who underwent abdominal surgery

Key Takeaways for GI Nurses

• Non-pharmacological interventions like virtual reality and stress balls can effectively reduce patient pain and anxiety during post-surgical dressing changes, offering evidence-based alternatives to complement traditional pain management protocols
• These distraction techniques may improve patient satisfaction and comfort levels during routine post-operative care procedures, potentially enhancing the overall patient experience in GI units
• Virtual reality and tactile interventions represent cost-effective, accessible tools that nurses can easily implement without additional medications or complex equipment setup
• The study demonstrates measurable effects on vital signs, suggesting these interventions produce physiological as well as psychological benefits for post-abdominal surgery patients

Clinical Relevance

For gastroenterology and endoscopy nurses, this research highlights the potential for integrating simple yet effective non-pharmacological interventions into routine post-procedural and post-surgical care. While the study focused on abdominal surgery patients, the principles directly apply to patients recovering from endoscopic procedures with interventional components, such as EMR, ESD, or ERCP, where post-procedure wound care and monitoring are essential. The findings suggest that incorporating distraction techniques during dressing changes and wound assessments could significantly improve patient tolerance and cooperation during these necessary but often uncomfortable procedures.

The implications for unit operations are particularly relevant as healthcare systems increasingly emphasize patient satisfaction scores and seek to reduce reliance on pharmacological pain management. Virtual reality technology has become more accessible and affordable, making it a practical addition to GI units. Similarly, stress balls represent a low-cost intervention that can be easily standardized across nursing staff. These tools can be particularly valuable for patients who may be anxious about follow-up endoscopic procedures or those requiring frequent monitoring after complex interventions.

From a professional development perspective, this research underscores the importance of evidence-based comfort measures in nursing practice. It reinforces the nurse's role in holistic patient care that addresses both physical and psychological aspects of recovery. For GI nurses who often work with patients experiencing anxiety about diagnostic procedures or post-procedural discomfort, these findings provide concrete strategies to enhance patient-centered care while potentially improving clinical outcomes through better patient cooperation and reduced stress responses.

Bottom Line

This study provides GI nurses with evidence supporting the use of simple, non-invasive interventions—virtual reality glasses and stress balls—to meaningfully reduce patient pain, anxiety, and fear during post-procedural care activities. By incorporating these accessible distraction techniques into standard practice during dressing changes and wound assessments, nurses can improve patient comfort and satisfaction while supporting physiological stability, offering a practical approach to enhance patient-centered care in endoscopy and gastroenterology settings without additional medication or complex protocols.