EAU
EAU 2026: VR consent demos ease patient anxiety before kidney stone treatment
A new study presented at the European Association of Urology Congress in London (EAU26) reports that incorporating virtual reality (VR) into the consent process for shockwave lithotripsy can meaningfully reduce patients’ pre‑procedure anxiety.
In this prospective study, 150 patients aged 22 to 80 at University Hospital Southampton engaged with a VR module that placed them in a virtual operating theatre. The simulation delivered a step‑by‑step, 3D depiction of shockwave lithotripsy, including high‑energy soundwave targeting, stone fragmentation, and relevant anatomical and procedural landmarks. Users could navigate the environment, examine surgical instruments, and visualize key risks and benefits from multiple vantage points.
Post‑experience assessments showed improved procedural understanding and a measurable reduction in anxiety, with the most pronounced benefit observed in patients aged ≥65 years; outcomes were consistent across sexes. Investigators are now evaluating whether enhanced procedural comprehension through VR may also translate into reduced procedural pain and improved peri‑operative experience.
Sources:
Bracey S., et al. “Exploring the impact of virtual reality to improve the consent process and provide counselling for patients undergoing shock wave lithotripsy.” Presented at EAU26; 13 March 2026. https://campusprltd.sharepoint.com/sites/CampusIntranet/Shared%20Documents/Forms/AllItems.aspx
(2026, March 13). EAU: European Association of Urology. VR could reduce anxiety for people undergoing medical procedures [Press release]. https://uroweb.org/news/vr-could-reduce-anxiety-for-people-undergoing-medical-procedures