The Effect of Virtual Reality Accompanied by Music on Women's Perceived Pain, Postpartum Comfort During Episiotomy Repair: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Aim: To determine the effect of virtual reality glasses accompanied by music during episiotomy repair on women's perceived pain, vital signs, and postnatal comfort.

Materials And Methods: This randomized controlled experimental study utilized the "VAS pain score" and "Postpartum Comfort Scale" to collect data. All participants received 5 mL of lidocaine during episiotomy repair. Women in the experimental group listened to the tune of Acemashiran and watched a natural landscape with virtual reality glasses (VRG) while undergoing episiotomy repair, whereas those in the control group did not undergo any intervention during the procedure. p < .05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: The results showed that the episiotomy repair time was perceived as shorter in the experimental group than in the control group. VAS pain scores were significantly lower in the experimental group (during: 5, after: 2) than in the control group (during: 7, after: 4). There were no significant differences in vital sign measurements among participants before, during, and after episiotomy repair. The experimental group exhibited higher postpartum comfort scale scores (E: 4.20 ± 0.36/ C 3.99 ± 0.55).

Conclusion: The study concluded that combining VRG application with music resulted in a perceived reduction in episiotomy repair time. The visual and auditory stimuli contributed to pain management during and after episiotomy repair. Additionally, virtual glasses may reduce the need for pharmacological medication due to this reduction in pain during episiotomy repair.

Key Practice Points: This study provides evidence for the effectiveness of non-pharmacologic interventions for episiotomy repair, patients and facilitates support for future clinical trials and work.

Clinical Trials Number: NCT05134376.