Design features and implementation of virtual operating-theatre orientation for elective surgical patients: A scoping review

Virtual operating room orientation is commonly evaluated for anxiety reduction, leaving uncertainty about programme design and integration into perioperative care. Guided by Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews, this review searched PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science and IEEE Xplore through June 2026; Google Scholar and citation searching supplemented retrieval. Eleven studies described screen-based, immersive or interactive orientation across preoperative timepoints. Operating-theatre and anaesthesia preparation predominated; recovery, discharge, cultural adaptation and accessible alternatives were less represented. Implementation considerations included cybersickness, younger-child non-completion, language and sensory exclusions, technical failures, scheduling, equipment cleaning, staff support and cost. Clinical usefulness depended on matching timing, content and delivery method to a defined purpose. Implementation requires accessible alternatives, clear staff responsibilities, infection-control procedures and evaluation of feasibility, workload, costs and patient-centred outcomes across surgical populations and age groups.