Abstract
Objectives
To identify and synthesize the scientific literature on virtual reality (VR)-based mindfulness applications for the management of chronic pain in adults.
Design
A scoping review methodology was followed and conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guideline.
Data sources
Combinations of key words related to “virtual reality”, “mindfulness”, and “chronic pain” were searched for in PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, Scopus, and the Cochrane library databases. Title, abstracts, and full-text articles were screened against inclusion criteria.
Review/Analysis methods
Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis approach was used.
Results
Seven studies were included in the review and their findings synthesized into three overarching themes: (1) physical and mental health benefits; (2) treatment engagement and satisfaction; and (3) intervention usability. The last theme had four subthemes which were cybersickness, physical limitations, technical support, and personalized design.
Conclusions
While studies suggested VR could improve chronic pain management by enhancing the practice of mindfulness, weak study designs and small sample sizes limited the utility of the review results. Future research should rigorously co-design and test VR-based mindfulness applications with people with chronic pain to assess if they improve health and other outcomes.
To identify and synthesize the scientific literature on virtual reality (VR)-based mindfulness applications for the management of chronic pain in adults.
Design
A scoping review methodology was followed and conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guideline.
Data sources
Combinations of key words related to “virtual reality”, “mindfulness”, and “chronic pain” were searched for in PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, Scopus, and the Cochrane library databases. Title, abstracts, and full-text articles were screened against inclusion criteria.
Review/Analysis methods
Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis approach was used.
Results
Seven studies were included in the review and their findings synthesized into three overarching themes: (1) physical and mental health benefits; (2) treatment engagement and satisfaction; and (3) intervention usability. The last theme had four subthemes which were cybersickness, physical limitations, technical support, and personalized design.
Conclusions
While studies suggested VR could improve chronic pain management by enhancing the practice of mindfulness, weak study designs and small sample sizes limited the utility of the review results. Future research should rigorously co-design and test VR-based mindfulness applications with people with chronic pain to assess if they improve health and other outcomes.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Pain management nursing : official journal of the American Society of Pain Management Nurses |
| Volume | 23 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2022 |
