EAU: Patient satisfaction improved with virtual reality to explain shock wave lithotripsy

Olivia Bennett
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EAU: Patient satisfaction improved with virtual reality to explain shock wave lithotripsy

EAU: Patient satisfaction improved with virtual reality to explain shock wave lithotripsy
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EAU: Patient satisfaction improved with virtual reality to explain shock wave lithotripsy
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EAU: Patient satisfaction improved with virtual reality to explain shock wave lithotripsy

Use of virtual reality (VR) to explain shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) can help improve calmness and satisfaction among patients, according to a study presented at the European Association of Urology Congress, held from March 13 to 16 in London.

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Solomon Bracey, from Southampton General Hospital in the United Kingdom, and colleagues explored the use of VR as a tool for improving the process of consent for SWL. Patients attending a clinic for their SWL treatment were recruited to experience a three-minute VR animation, which outlined the procedure and enabled visualization of urinary anatomy. Patients responded to a series of questionnaires, and their pain levels were assessed before and after the SWL procedure.

A total of 150 participants completed all questionnaires. The researchers found that use of VR significantly improved patient understanding of and confidence in explaining the SWL procedure and significantly reduced nervousness. Improvements were reported in all positive emotions, and reductions were seen in all negative emotions; calmness and satisfaction increased significantly, and indecision and worry were reduced. Compared with printed resources, VR was rated as significantly more accessible and helpful; a strong preference for VR inclusion in future treatment was reported by 88% of participants. The mean postprocedural pain score was lower compared with previous SWL research (2.17).

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“VR has been shown to improve learning and knowledge retention, and our study suggests it could be used to help people to make more fully informed decisions about their health,” Bracey said in a statement.

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Key medical concepts

Virtual RealityPainPostoperative Pain

Clinical categories

Urology

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EAU: Patient satisfaction improved with virtual reality to explain shock wave lithotripsy (2026, March 16)
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Olivia Bennett (she/her) is a health education specialist and medical writer dedicated to providing clear, evidence-based health information. She holds a strong academic background in public health and clinical sciences, with advanced training from respected institutions in the United States and the United Kingdom.   Bennett earned her Bachelor of Science in Public Health from the University of Michigan. She later completed her Doctor of Medicine (MD) at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where she developed a deep interest in preventive care and patient education.   To further strengthen her expertise in global and community health, she obtained a Master of Science in Global Health and Development from the University College London. She also completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Nutrition at the King's College London.   Since completing her studies, Bennett has worked in both clinical and health communication roles, contributing to medical blogs, health platforms, and public awareness campaigns. Her work focuses on translating complex medical research into practical guidance that everyday readers can understand and apply.   In 2021, she began specializing in digital health education, helping online health platforms maintain medically accurate, reader-friendly content. Her key areas of focus include: Preventive healthcare Women’s health Mental health awareness Chronic disease management (diabetes, hypertension) Nutrition and lifestyle medicine   Bennett believes that trustworthy health information should be accessible to everyone. Her goal is to empower readers to make informed decisions about their well-being through clear, compassionate, and research-backed guidance.   Outside of her professional work, she enjoys reading medical journals, participating in community wellness initiatives, and mentoring aspiring health writers.
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