Authors (including presenting author) :
CHENG K(1), LAU HT(1), TONG KW(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Department of Medicine & Geriatrics, United Christian Hospital
Introduction :
Coronary artery disease constitutes a major portion of the mortality in heart diseases. The ischemia-guided strategy recommends early revascularization, i.e. coronary catheterization with or without (+/-) percutaneous coronary intervention (CC+/-PCI). It is often perceived to be risky and stressful by patients despite the advancing technique and equipment.
Our nurse-led cardiac clinic has provided a thorough pre-operative education for the scheduled out-patients undergoing coronary intervention. However, there are limitations and challenges for medical staff to address all aspects of the procedure comprehensively for in-patients setting. Lack of information and unfamiliar environment can subsequently increase their anxiety level. Therefore, VR technology is introduced into the educational video enhancing patients’ experience to bridge the service gap.
Objectives :
1.To improve patients’ knowledge and experience about CC+/-PCI.
2.To reduce anxiety level of patients.
Methodology :
The project was carried out in the cardiology unit of United Christian Hospital from December, 2020 to June, 2021. Patients who were diagnosed as acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and indicated for in-patient CC+/-PCI would be recruited.
First-person-perspective video was newly designed to be viewed on smartphone through a VR-goggle on internet-based social media. Patients were immersed visually and audibly into four scenarios, which was going through the journey from pre-operative preparation to post-operative care. The video aimed to standardize the educational content.
Patients had to complete the same questionnaire assessing their degree of knowledge and anxiety level regarding the CC+/-PCI before and after the VR-video. Knowledge scores was measured by tailor-made assessment tool (composing of 8 questions) while anxiety level was evaluated by Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.
Result & Outcome :
Total 14 eligible patients were recruited to the study. Overall knowledge scores were 2-4 marks before the video but with obvious improvement in scores, i.e. 9 patients answered all correct (with full mark of 8) after the video. Moreover, most patients experienced moderate to high level of anxiety before the video. More than 60% patients reported less worried with significant reduction in anxiety scores. Lastly, all patients agreed the VR-video was a more attractive and effective way in education.
