In the late stages of cancer, approximately 5% of individuals experience cancerous wounds and the life expectancy ranges from 6 to 12 months. Without a tailored and collaborative treatment approach, the frequency of persistent septic wounds is increased. These wounds frequently result in substantial pain, significantly affecting the patients’ quality of life. Aim: to evaluate the effect of using virtual reality as non-pharmacological therapy to reduce pain in chronic septic wounds for patient with cancer. Methods: The research utilizes a quasi-experimental design, with study and control groups to fulfill its objectives. It was carried out within the Oncology department at Aswan University Hospital; the study involved a purposive sample of 80 patients. Various assessment tools were employed, including a structured interviews questionnaire for patient and Patient assessment which comprised three sections: Visual Analogue Pain Scale, Measuring the Vital Signs and Anxiety using Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale. Additionally, a Patient Satisfaction Scale was utilized as part of the study's methodology. Results: The results indicated that the difference between study and control groups was statistically significant across all parameters including vital signs and pain intensity post using virtual reality also there was marked decrease in the percentage distribution for all variables of behavioral, physiological and discomfort for study group after using the virtual reality with statistically significant difference. Conclusion: Virtual reality application showed successful action as a non-pharmacological intervention in diminishing pain, anxiety and vital signs scores. Significant differences were revealed between the study and control groups, particularly the heart rate and blood pressure readings, resulting in enhanced physiological and behavioral aspects. Consequently, patients expressed higher satisfaction levels during dressing the chronic septic wounds among patients with cancer. Recommendations: Additional investigations involving larger sample sizes under similar conditions could offer conclusive proof of the efficiency of virtual reality. This would facilitate the integration of such an intervention into the standard care protocol for chronic septic wounds among patients with cancer. |
