Virtual Reality, Music, and Education to Reduce Anxiety in Patients Undergoing Ingrown Toenail Surgery

The educational video will last 5 minutes and is designed to inform participants about the onychocryptosis surgical procedure. The principal investigator will clearly and accessibly explain what the surgery involves, the steps to follow, and what participants can expect before, during, and after the procedure.

Participants will use Meta Quest 3 VR glasses during the onychocryptosis surgery. The device features adjustable straps, interpupillary distance settings, and built-in headphones with spatial sound, allowing immersive visualization and audio tailored to patient preferences. Disposable masks will be used for hygiene. The immersive content will be a 360-degree video of a relaxing walk through a forest accompanied by gentle music, starting 5 minutes before the procedure. Patients may remove the glasses or stop the VR experience at any time if desired.

Participants will wear over-ear headphones with disposable covers and noise-cancellation (Bose® QuietComfort 25) connected to an Apple® iPod. Music will start 5 minutes before the ingrown toenail surgery and continue throughout the procedure. Only instrumental classical music, royalty-free and from Musopen.org, will be played in a 1-hour playlist. The same playlist will be used for all participants. Participants can adjust the volume at any time. Music will be temporarily paused if communication with the patient is needed and resumed afterward.