Effects of pre-procedural video education and intra-procedural virtual reality on anxiety and pain during flexible cystoscopy: a randomized controlled trial
Procedural anxiety and pain in patients undergoing flexible cystoscopy
Randomisation is 1:1:1:1 using computer-generated allocation. Participants are randomised into four parallel arms: 1. Pre-procedural educational video + VR headset during cystoscopy; 2. Educational video only; 3. VR headset only; 4. Control group receiving standard care (no video, no VR). The video lasts ~3 minutes and explains the cystoscopy procedure. The VR headset shows neutral, relaxing content during the procedure until completion (average 5–10 minutes).
1. Age ≥18 years 2. Indication for flexible cystoscopy 3. Adequate cognitive function
1. Current use of anxiolytics, antidepressants, or opioids 2. Prior history of cystoscopy 3. Significant cognitive or psychiatric disorders 4. Severe hearing/visual impairment preventing video or VR use 5. Active urinary tract infection or chronic bladder pain 6. History of severe allergic reaction to local anesthetics 7. Pregnancy