VR reduces fear of medical procedures
Virtual reality (VR) could help patients better understand their treatment and reduce their anxiety by explaining what to expect before a medical procedure. The research findings will be presented today [Friday, March 13, 2026] at the congress of the European Society of Urology in London (EAU26). Patients are often given an information brochure with important details before consenting to a treatment. This contains information about the treatment process, risks, and benefits, which they can then discuss with their doctor. However, such brochures often contain technical jargon and are written in a way that is difficult for most people to understand. Around six out of ten adults in England have difficulty understanding complex medical information, which impairs their ability to make an informed decision about a procedure. A new study examined the use of VR as part of the information process for kidney stone treatment. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is a...
