Abstract
Background: Virtual reality technology allows users to experience specific situations in a virtual world without having to experience the real situation [1]. Recently, interest in virtual reality has increased in the healthcare field, and the field of application is expanding [2]. Patient-centered intervention using virtual reality for patients about to undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is considered a cost-effective way to improve negative experiences that may occur during the examination [3]. In cases such as MRI where the examination should be performed in a noisy and narrow space, desensitization therapy using virtual reality can be an effective alternative to improve understanding of the examination process and satisfaction [4,5].
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the usability of patient-centered educational content using virtual reality for patients undergoing MRI examinations.
Methods: Educational content using virtual reality was developed by healthcare providers to reflect the needs of patients and consists of pre-MRI nursing, MRI process, and post-MRI nursing. The usability evaluation was conducted from March to May 2024. Participants were 20 adult patients aged 19 years or older who had no experience with MRI. Data were collected through a survey on anxiety and satisfaction and analysed using descriptive statistics.
Results: In terms of usability, anxiety decreased from 43.9 to 22.9 points on the anxiety scale out of 60 points. Satisfaction with patient-centered educational content using virtual reality was high, ranging from 4.0 to 4.3 out of 5.0.
Conclusions: This study is significant in that it established a patient-centered education environment to lower the anxiety of patients receiving MRI examinations for the first time and increase their understanding of the examination so that patients can safely undergo MRI examinations.
Implications: This study presented an example of virtual reality development that can be used as a practical training method for patients in clinical nursing settings. To establish a patient education system incorporating digital technology, active promotion, cooperation between healthcare providers and patients, and administrative support should be provided.
Notes
References:
1. Javaid M, Haleem A. Virtual reality applications toward medical field. Clin Epidemiol Glob Health 2020;8(2);600-5.
2. Nakarada-Kordic I, Reay S, Bennett G, Kruse J, Lydon AM, Sim J. Can virtual reality simulation prepare patients for an MRI experience?. Radiography 2020;26(3):205-13.
3. Oztek MA, Brunnquell CL, Hoff MN, Boulter DJ, Mossa-Basha M, Beauchamp LH, et al. Practical considerations for radiologists in implementing a patient-friendly MRI experience. Top Magn Reson Imaging 2020;29(4):181-6.
4. Qian K, Arichi T, Price A, Dall’Orso S, Eden J, Noh Y, et al. An eye tracking based virtual reality system for use inside magnetic resonance imaging systems. Sci Rep 2021;11(1):16301.
5. Stunden C, Stratton K, Zakani S, Jacob J. Comparing a virtual reality–based simulation app (VR-MRI) with a standard preparatory manual and child life program for improving success and reducing anxiety during pediatric medical imaging: Randomized clinical trial. J Med Internet Res 2021;23(9):e22942.
Sigma Membership
Lambda Alpha at-Large
Type
Poster
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Other
Research Approach
Other
Keywords:
Virtual Learning, Simulation, MRI Exams
Recommended Citation
Yoo, Hye Jin and Kim, Sang Min, "Usability Evaluation of Patient-Centered Educational Content Using Virtual Reality on MRI Exams" (2025). International Nursing Research Congress (INRC). 13.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/inrc/2025/posters_2025/13
Conference Name
36th International Nursing Research Congress
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Seattle, Washington, USA
Conference Year
2025
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Usability Evaluation of Patient-Centered Educational Content Using Virtual Reality on MRI Exams
Seattle, Washington, USA
Background: Virtual reality technology allows users to experience specific situations in a virtual world without having to experience the real situation [1]. Recently, interest in virtual reality has increased in the healthcare field, and the field of application is expanding [2]. Patient-centered intervention using virtual reality for patients about to undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is considered a cost-effective way to improve negative experiences that may occur during the examination [3]. In cases such as MRI where the examination should be performed in a noisy and narrow space, desensitization therapy using virtual reality can be an effective alternative to improve understanding of the examination process and satisfaction [4,5].
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the usability of patient-centered educational content using virtual reality for patients undergoing MRI examinations.
Methods: Educational content using virtual reality was developed by healthcare providers to reflect the needs of patients and consists of pre-MRI nursing, MRI process, and post-MRI nursing. The usability evaluation was conducted from March to May 2024. Participants were 20 adult patients aged 19 years or older who had no experience with MRI. Data were collected through a survey on anxiety and satisfaction and analysed using descriptive statistics.
Results: In terms of usability, anxiety decreased from 43.9 to 22.9 points on the anxiety scale out of 60 points. Satisfaction with patient-centered educational content using virtual reality was high, ranging from 4.0 to 4.3 out of 5.0.
Conclusions: This study is significant in that it established a patient-centered education environment to lower the anxiety of patients receiving MRI examinations for the first time and increase their understanding of the examination so that patients can safely undergo MRI examinations.
Implications: This study presented an example of virtual reality development that can be used as a practical training method for patients in clinical nursing settings. To establish a patient education system incorporating digital technology, active promotion, cooperation between healthcare providers and patients, and administrative support should be provided.
Description
For patients about to undergo an MRI examination who must endure a long examination in a noisy and narrow space, desensitization treatment using virtual reality can be an effective alternative that can increase patients' understanding and satisfaction with the examination process. Patient-centered intervention using virtual reality is a useful approach to improve negative patient experiences that may occur during MRI examinations.