Authors: (including presenting author): :
Leung YN, Chan LLS, Fung KL, Ngai WL, Lau LF, Lau WL
Affiliation: :
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kwong Wah Hospital, Hong Kong
Keyword 1: :
Virtual Reality
Keyword 2: :
Labour Pain Relief
Keyword 3: :
Midwifery care
Keyword 4: :
experiences, knowledge, and attitudes of midwives
Introduction: :
Virtual reality (VR) is an emerging non-pharmacological intervention for labour pain relief, with evidence suggesting that VR can effectively reduce pain and anxiety. However, local data on its use remains limited. It is important to investigate its effectiveness and explore the experiences, knowledge, and attitudes of midwives regarding VR, as well as their implementation practices in midwifery care, which have been underexplored.
Objectives: :
To evaluate the effectiveness of brief VR intervention in reducing labour pain in a delivery suite setting and to investigate midwives’ knowledge, attitudes, and implementation practices regarding VR use.
Methodology: :
A prospective cohort study was conducted in the delivery suite of a regional hospital in Hong Kong between November 2025 and January 2026. Fifteen women in the latent phase of labour, without contraindications to VR, used a VR headset as an adjunct to standard intrapartum care for pain relief. Pain intensity was assessed using a 0–10 numeric rating scale immediately before and after a single VR session. Pre‑ and post‑VR pain scores were compared using a paired-samples t-test. In parallel, 22 midwives completed a semi-structured questionnaire assessing their knowledge and attitudes (using a 4-point Likert scale) and implementation practices. Descriptive statistics were calculated.
Result & Outcome: :
VR use was associated with a statistically significant reduction in labour pain, from a mean pre‑VR pain score of 5.73 (SD = 2.15) to a post‑VR pain score of 4.00 (SD = 2.24). The mean change in pain score was −1.73(SD = 1.39), corresponding to an approximate 30% relative reduction in reported pain intensity. This reduction was statistically significant, t (14) = −5.77, p < 0.001, 95% CI [-2.38, -1.09]. Overall, 86.7% of participants (13/15) reported lower pain scores after VR, 13.3% (2/15) reported no change, and none reported an increase in pain. No adverse trends attributable to VR were observed. Midwives reported high levels of self‑perceived knowledge about VR as a non‑pharmacological pain‑relief method, and generally positive beliefs about its effectiveness and its impact on maternal comfort. Screening for eligibility, explanation of the intervention, equipment preparation, and monitoring during VR sessions were commonly reported as routine practice, supporting safe implementation. Findings from this pilot study indicate that the use of VR is associated with a significant reduction in reported labour pain. It proved to be an effective and feasible non-pharmacological pain relief method that complements standard intrapartum care. These findings provide local evidence supporting the applicability of VR in midwifery care and inform the development of labour management protocols that incorporate VR practices
