An exploration into the efficacy of virtual reality for managing pain in hospitalized patients, with a focus on cancer pain

Cancer pain is highly complex and associated with a great global and individual burden. Due to its multifactorial nature, it must be addressed with a combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches. Many people with cancer feel their pain is inadequately managed, pointing to the critical need for new management approaches. Virtual reality (VR) is a promising management strategy for a variety of pain conditions, at the forefront of research. This study aims to explore the use of VR in the management of pain in hospitalized patients, focusing on cancer-related pain. A systematic review was carried out on all eligible articles published before July 2025, in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Randomized control trials that investigated VR in the pain management of hospitalized adult patients were included. Thirty-three (33) randomized control trials were included in the systematic review following selection processes. Outcome measures such as the visual analogue scale, the numerical rating scale, and graphic rating scale, were commonly used; 79% of articles reported a significant reduction in pain when using VR. None of the studies reported any significant adverse effects. VR is a safe and feasible option for adjunctive, non-pharmacological pain management in hospitalized patients. Few studies investigate the application of VR in the management of cancer pain, however, those available reveal promising results. Future randomized control trials that employ a double-blinded study design would be of benefit.