The effect of the 360° virtual counselling environment (360°VCE) on computed tomography angiography patients' anxiety

Thesis event information

Date and time of the thesis defence

Place of the thesis defence

Auditorium F202 (Aapistie 5 B)

Topic of the dissertation

The effect of the 360° virtual counselling environment (360°VCE) on computed tomography angiography patients' anxiety

Doctoral candidate

Master of Health Sciences Karoliina Paalimäki-Paakki

Faculty and unit

University of Oulu Graduate School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing Science and Health Management

Subject of study

Nursing Science

Opponent

Professor Eija Paavilainen, University of Tampere

Custos

Professor Maria Kääriäinen, University of Oulu

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Access to virtual environment can reduce patients’ pre-computed tomography examination anxiety

According to this study access to virtual environment reduces patients’ computed tomography examination related anxiety and increases knowledge, senses of patient safety and self-efficacy. The results can be used to improve patient counselling and care in medical imaging.

The anxiety during coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) can reduce patient safety, the quality of the imaging experience, and the image quality, as well as increase the radiation dose.

In this study 360° virtual counselling environment (VCE) was developed using spherical panoramic images and non-immersive 360° technology. The solution is both time- and place-independent and can be accessed via any smart device with a network connection with no specific applications. 360°VCE informational video can be viewed at https://youtu.be/d2XzFj8Uy_U

In the first phase of the study the systematic review identified and synthesized the effectiveness of digital counseling environments at reducing anxiety, depression, and adherence to treatment among patients who are chronically ill. Digital, web-based counseling environments for patients who are chronically ill are more effective than, or at least comparable to, standard counseling methods.

In the second phase the 360°VCE was developed using spherical panoramic images and non-immersive 360° technology. A qualitative study was then conducted to describe patients', radiographers' and radiography students’ experiences of the developed 360°VCE.

In the third phase the effect of a 360°VCE on patient anxiety and CCTA process time were evaluated in a randomised controlled trial. CCTA patients were randomly assigned to intervention and standard care groups. Members of the standard care group received an informational letter and oral counselling, while members of the 360°VCE group received an informational letter, oral counselling, along with a link to the 360°VCE.
Last updated: 23.1.2024