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Is it reasonable to think that virtual reality can help reduce the use of opioids in the treatment of acute pain?

Vanden Abeele, Sybille
(2025)

Files

VandenAbeeleSybille_95952200_2025.pdf
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Details

Supervisors
Watremez, Christine ; Bosteels, Arnaud
Faculty
Faculté de pharmacie et des sciences biomédicales
Degree label
Master [120] en sciences pharmaceutiques, à finalité spécialisée
Abstract
The ongoing opioid crisis, including opioid misuse and abuse, has highlighted the urgent need for alternative pain management strategies. In this context, virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a promising non-pharmacological approach to reduce opioid use in the management of acute pain. This master’s thesis explores the potential of VR as an adjunct to traditional pain management techniques, focusing on its ability to alleviate pain and reduce the reliance on opioids. By analysing studies regarding VR in clinical settings, research reveals that VR has an impact on pain perception, emotional responses and opioid consumption. These findings suggest that VR can significantly reduce pain through distraction and immersion in virtual environments (VE), thereby enhancing emotional well-being and reducing anxiety. Despite these promising results, several challenges persist, including the need to optimize opioid reduction strategies and address long-term outcomes, cost and accessibility of VR. Future research should prioritize the execution of large-scale randomized controlled trials to confirm its efficacy in opioid reduction and explore its potential for integration into clinical practices as a pain management approach.