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Background and Aims VR applications have been applied in various clinical settings for pain distraction and anxiety reduction. We aimed to determine the needs and preferences of local perioperative settings to facilitate the development of a customized VR-based prototype.

Methods Adult patients about to undergo scheduled surgery were recruited in two Singapore public healthcare institutions. Video examples on VR modules and scenarios were shown, followed by a survey to gather preference and feedback on instructional module on surgical journey, mindfulness module, local relaxation scenarios. Demographics, feedback, preferences were summarized based on number (proportion), mean (SD) or median (IQR) as appropriate.

Results One-hundred patients were recruited with a mean perceived anxiety score of 35.0 of 100 (SD 25.3). The top three reasons that contributed to patients’ anxiety: Concerns on postoperative pain (n=65), having to undergo surgery (n=53), and life-threatening surgical side effects (n=45). Only 38% had experience with VR application. Among the relaxation scenarios offered, patients preferred having nature environments such as park (n=28), beach (n=27), and local iconic sight ‘Gardens by the Bay’ (n=12). The majority of patients (n=66) was receptive in using VR to reduce anxiety and pain; whereas 76 and 70 patients found mindfulness and relaxation scenarios helpful in reducing anxiety and pain, respectively.

Conclusions Our local population is receptive to the use of VR to reduce perioperative anxiety and pain, and the data may help to further customise to patient needs and preferences to use VR in perioperative setting to improve anxiety and pain.