One 20-minute virtual reality session cut preoperative anxiety in an ambulatory surgery RCT
In the single-center AMBLUMEEN trial, 106 ambulatory patients with moderate-to-severe anxiety (STAI-YA > 45) were randomized to standard care or a 20-minute immersive VR session. VR reduced STAI-YA scores by an adjusted 18.7 points more than control (95% CI -21.4 to -16.1). Benzodiazepine use, pain and unplanned admission did not differ.
Why it matters. Supports VR as a low-risk, drug-free option for anxious day-surgery patients.
Limitation. Single-center, open-label trial; anxiety was a patient-reported score.