Fatigue, Liver Transplantation, Postoperative Pain
Conditions
Keywords
Liver transplantation, Virtual reality, Postoperative fatigue, Postoperative pain
Brief summary
This randomized controlled study aims to evaluate the effects of a virtual reality intervention on pain, fatigue and vital signs in patients during the early postoperative period after liver transplantation. Postoperative symptoms such as pain and fatigue may negatively affect recovery and patient comfort. Virtual reality has emerged as a non-pharmacological method that may help reduce these symptoms by providing distraction and relaxation. A total of 84 patients were randomly assigned to an experimental group or a control group. The experimental group received a 20-minute virtual reality session, while the control group received standard care. Pain, fatigue and vital signs were measured before and after the intervention. This study aims to determine whether virtual reality can improve patient comfort and physiological stability and support recovery after liver transplantation.
Detailed description
This study was designed as a prospective, randomized controlled, single-blind trial to evaluate the effects of a virtual reality intervention on pain, fatigue, and vital signs in patients during the early postoperative period after liver transplantation. Liver transplantation is a life-saving procedure; however, patients frequently experience postoperative symptoms such as pain and fatigue, which may negatively affect recovery, physiological stability, and overall patient comfort. Non-pharmacological interventions have gained increasing attention in recent years as supportive approaches to improve postoperative outcomes. Virtual reality is an emerging technology that provides immersive distraction and relaxation, potentially reducing symptom perception and enhancing patient well-being. The study was conducted in the organ transplantation clinic of a university hospital between May 2025 and January 2026. A total of 84 patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (n=42) or the control group (n=42) using a computer-based randomization method. Patients in the experimental group received a 20-minute virtual reality intervention during the early postoperative period, while patients in the control group received standard care without additional intervention. Pain levels were assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), fatigue levels were measured using the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI), and vital signs including heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure were recorded. All measurements were obtained before the intervention and 15 minutes after the intervention. The primary objective of the study was to determine the effect of virtual reality on fatigue levels. Secondary outcomes included pain and vital signs. Data were analysed using appropriate statistical methods, and statistical significance was set at p\<0.05. This study aims to contribute to the evidence base regarding the effectiveness of virtual reality as a non-pharmacological nursing intervention and to support its integration into clinical practice to improve postoperative care in liver transplantation patients.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALVirtual Reality Intervention
A 20 minute immersive virtual reality session was administered using a headmounted display during the early postoperative period following liver transplantation.
OTHERStandard Care
Participants received routine postoperative care without any additional intervention
Sponsors
Malatya Turgut Ozal University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)
Masking description
Outcome assessors were blinded to group allocation. Participants and care providers were not blinded due to the nature of the intervention.
Intervention model description
Participants were randomly assigned to either an experimental group receiving a 20-minute virtual reality intervention or a control group receiving standard care. Outcomes were measured before and 15 minutes after the intervention.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Age ≥18 years * Underwent liver transplantation * In the early postoperative period * Able to communicate verbally * No diagnosed psychiatric disorder * Hemodynamically stable * Pain score ≥4 on the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) * Willing to participate in the study
Exclusion criteria
* Presence of severe postoperative complications * Cognitive impairment or inability to understand instructions * Visual or hearing impairments preventing use of virtual reality * History of motion sickness or vertigo related to virtual reality use * Chronic diseases that may affect fatigue or vital signs (e.g., uncontrolled cardiovascular or respiratory diseases) * Refusal to participate
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in fatigue severity | Baseline and 15 minutes after intervention | Change in fatigue severity measured using the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI) total score (range: 0-10; higher scores indicate greater fatigue) |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in pain intensity | Baseline and 15 minutes after intervention | Measured using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) (range: 0-10; higher scores indicate greater pain) |
| Change in heart rate (beats per minute) | Baseline and 15 minutes after intervention | Change in heart rate measured in beats per minute (bpm). Heart rate was recorded as part of routine vital sign monitoring to evaluate the physiological response to the virtual reality intervention. Lower values may indicate improved relaxation and autonomic stability. |
| Change in systolic and diastolic blood pressure (mmHg) | Baseline and 15 minutes after intervention | Change in systolic and diastolic blood pressure measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Blood pressure was recorded as part of routine vital sign monitoring to evaluate the cardiovascular response to the virtual reality intervention. Lower values may indicate improved physiological stability and relaxation. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed