Virtual Reality Distraction During Arteriovenous Fistula Puncture

Patients undergoing hemodialysis experience anxiety and pain related to the insertion of hemodialysis needles, estimated 320 times in total per year. The pain experienced is mostly caused by needle insertion into a fistula. Pain control is one of the main nursing tasks. Pain relief leads to the acceptance of the procedure and ultimately enhances the patients' quality of life. The use of virtual reality to reduce pain and anxiety during the arteriovenous fistula cannulation procedure is based on the concept that the perception of pain can be controlled because an individual is able to process only a limited amount of information at once. As such, the use of virtual reality during painful procedures may serve as a distraction.