Virtual Reality Supported Mindfulness Meditation After Cardiovascular Surgery

The early postoperative period following cardiovascular surgery is often associated with increased anxiety, stress, and physiological instability. Mindfulness-based interventions and virtual reality applications have emerged as potential supportive approaches to improve psychological well-being and promote recovery in clinical settings. This study aims to examine the short-term effects of virtual reality-supported mindfulness meditation on psychological and physiological outcomes in patients who have completed the intensive care phase after cardiovascular surgery and have been transferred to the ward. The study was designed as a quasi-experimental trial including 34 patients (intervention group n=17, control group n=17). In addition to standard postoperative care, the intervention group received a 15-minute virtual reality-supported mindfulness meditation session, while the control group received standard care only. Psychological outcomes include state anxiety, perceived stress, and positive and negative affect. Physiological parameters include heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and body temperature. Data were collected at multiple time points using an ecological momentary assessment approach. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the understanding of the feasibility and short-term effects of virtual reality-supported mindfulness interventions in postoperative cardiovascular surgery patients.