Determination of the Effects of Virtual Reality-Based Videos on Symptoms, Vital Signs and Comfort in Hemodialysis Patients

Introduction: This pioneering study aimed to examine the effects of virtual reality (VR)-based videos on symptoms, vital signs, and comfort levels in hemodialysis patients, offering an innovative approach to improving their quality of life. Methods: This randomized controlled pretest-posttest study included 54 hemodialysis patients treated at “X” Hospital between June 2024 and May 2025. Twenty-five patients were assigned to the intervention group, 25 to the control group, and 4 to a pilot group. Data were collected at baseline and after 8 weeks. Statistical analyses included t-tests, repeated measures ANOVA, Mann–Whitney U, and Friedman tests. Results: In the intervention group, Dialysis Symptom Index (DSI) scores decreased significantly (p < 0.05), and comfort levels increased significantly (p < 0.05) across all subscales of the Hemodialysis Comfort Scale Version II. Vital signs remained within normal ranges before and after the intervention. Conclusion: This study revealed that the use of virtual reality headsets significantly influenced dialysis symptom index scores and comfort levels. The intervention effectively reduced dialysis symptoms and significantly increased patient comfort. No significant differences were observed in vital signs.