Patients' voices in the development of pre-surgical patient education using virtual reality: A qualitative study

OBJECTIVE: To identify the information needs and perceptions of patients regarding the application of virtual reality in pre-surgical patient education. METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted between March and July 2020. The study population consisted of a purposive sample of patients scheduled for cardiac surgery from a single institution. Semi-structured individual interviews (n=19) were conducted and analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Patient perceptions regarding virtual reality and information needs related to hospitalisation and surgery could be categorised into three themes: Creating familiarity, contents to explore and challenges and preconditions. CONCLUSIONS: Virtual reality technology is a promising tool that can enhance conventional patient education to improve understanding and to potentially reduce concerns and anxieties. The virtual reality environment creates an opportunity for patients to be in control of the timing, quantity, depth and frequency of patient education. A virtual reality education tool should not be a substitute for personal contact with the physician. INNOVATION: Patient information needs were identified profoundly to the further development of a virtual reality intervention. This intervention aims to educate patients prior to elective cardiac surgery.