Virtual Reality (VR) study explores recovery support after surgery
A pilot study by East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust has investigated whether virtual reality (VR) can be used safely and effectively to support patients’ recovery in the immediate period following surgery.
The research focused on patients undergoing planned (elective) laparoscopic colorectal surgery at Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital in Margate. The aim was to determine whether it was feasible to deliver VR as part of post-operative care and whether patients and staff found it acceptable within the clinical environment.
Background
After major surgery, patients commonly experience pain, anxiety, and low mood. These symptoms are typically managed with medication, but medicines can have side effects and may not fully address patients’ comfort and wellbeing. There is growing interest in non-pharmacological approaches that may offer additional support during recovery.
Virtual reality has been used in other healthcare contexts to promote relaxation and reduce distress. This study explored whether such technology could be feasible for use shortly after surgery and how patients responded to it.
Study design
Between January and May 2025, patients scheduled for elective laparoscopic colorectal surgery were invited to take part. Members of the Trust’s Research Friends group reviewed the study information to ensure it was clear and accessible before recruitment began.
Of 22 patients approached, 12 consented to participate and 11 were ultimately included in the study. The average age of participants was approximately 64 years. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either standard post-operative care or standard care with the addition of twice-daily VR sessions.
All participants were asked to rate their mood, anxiety, and pain on a simple 0–10 scale on the day of surgery and daily for up to five days. Patients in the VR group used the headset twice a day, choosing from more than 20 experiences, such as calming natural environments, guided relaxation sessions, and informational content. Scores were recorded before and after each VR session. All participants were also followed up two weeks after discharge.
Findings
The study demonstrated that delivering this type of research within a hospital setting is feasible. Patients were willing to be approached and randomised, and clinical staff were supportive of the study’s integration into routine ward care.
Most participants in the VR group were able to complete their planned sessions. Where sessions were missed, this was usually due to the patient resting or spending time with visitors rather than difficulties with the technology. The VR equipment was used safely in both single rooms and shared bays.
No patients withdrew because of the VR intervention, and only one adverse event was reported, which was unrelated to the study or VR use.
Impact on patients
Many patients reported feeling more relaxed immediately after VR sessions. When comparing scores taken before and after use of the headset, both pain and anxiety levels were often lower immediately following VR. The largest short-term benefit was observed in pain scores.
However, at the two-week follow-up after discharge, differences between the VR and standard care groups were no longer evident. At that point, both groups showed similar overall improvement, suggesting that VR may offer short-term benefits during hospital admission but that these effects do not persist after use ends.
Read the story of our first patient to test the headset
What this means
As a pilot feasibility study, these findings do not establish that VR should become part of standard care. However, the results indicate that VR is acceptable and well tolerated by patients after surgery, can be delivered safely in a hospital ward setting, and that a larger, more definitive study would be achievable.
Feedback from participants was positive, with several reporting that they enjoyed using the technology. Two participants have since volunteered to join the Trust’s Research Friends group.
Next steps
The research team has identified ways to enhance future studies, including longer VR sessions, recruitment of a larger patient cohort, and securing funding to support additional research staff.
The study was sponsored by East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust. The VR headsets were kindly provided by Rescape. The study is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT07274098).
The Trust would like to thank all patients and staff who supported this research.