Virtual Reality for Treatment of Functional Chronic Abdominal Pain

Abstract

Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) may cause chronic abdominal pain. At the project site, there was an inconsistent practice for treating FGIDS, so an evidence based solution was sought. The purpose of this quantitative, quasi-experimental quality improvement project was to determine if or to what degree the translation of Spiegel et al.’s research using virtual reality (VR) would impact abdominal pain scores when compared to current practice among hospitalized adult patients with chronic abdominal pain in an urban hospital in California over four weeks. Jean Watson’s human caring theory, Virginia Henderson’s needs theory, and Everett Rogers’ diffusion of innovation model provided the scientific underpinnings for the project. The data were collected from the electronic health record. The total sample size was N = 16 patients compared at baseline and post implementation using a paired t-test. Statistical significance was found with a reduction in pain scores before (M = 5.06, SD = 1.87) and pain improvement after VR intervention (M = 2.75, SD = 2.04); t (15) = 6.02, p = .000. Clinical significance was noted as 94% of the patients reported decreased pain following the intervention. Based on the results, the implementation of the translation of Spiegel et al.’s research using virtual reality (VR) may impact abdominal pain scores in this population. Recommendations are to sustain the project at the site and disseminate the results.