Accepted for/Published in: JMIR XR and Spatial Computing (JMXR)
Date Submitted: Mar 30, 2026
Date Accepted: Jun 23, 2026
Patient Perception of the Use of the Apple Vision Pro Virtual Reality Headset in an Anesthesiology Informed Consent Process: A Prospective Crossover Control Trial
ABSTRACT
Background:
Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) have become mainstream commercial technologies, with AR integrating virtual elements into displays of reality and VR offering fully immersive computer-generated visual experiences. Healthcare researchers are exploring clinical applications of these technologies, but questions remain about patient perceptions of the integration of such tools in patient/physician communication workflows.
Objective:
This study obtained patients’ response to the use of an Apple Vision Pro (AVP) virtual reality headset by anesthesiologists during an informed consent discussion for sedation for endoscopic gastrointestinal (GI) procedures.
Methods:
This crossover-control trial involved 60 patients undergoing monitored anesthesia care sedation for GI procedures at the University of California, San Diego’s Hillcrest Medical Center and Jacobs Medical Center. An anesthesiologist conducted two encounters with each patient prior to their procedure, one while wearing an AVP and one without. Patients completed the Sinclair Compassion Questionnaire (SCQ) and a custom survey after each encounter.
Results:
The majority of patients had no prior experience with AR/VR headsets (n=45). The anesthesiologist received significantly lower SCQ scores while wearing the AVP (p<0.003). Approximately half of the patients remained satisfied with their ability to make eye contact with the anesthesiologist and thought the portrayal of their eyes was realistic.
Conclusions:
This study examined the impact of physicians wearing the AVP during patient interactions, revealing a statistically significant reduction in patients’ perceived compassion from and connectedness to their anesthesiologist. This highlights the need for caution when integrating AR/VR technology into clinical practice as it may interfere with the patient-physician relationship. Careful evaluation of the potential effects on patients’ trust in their physician is essential before adopting AR/VR in healthcare settings.
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