Simulated Health Education Measures after Lumbar Disk Herniation Surgery: A Quasi-Experimental Study in Taiwan

Background: Severe lumbar disc herniation is the main cause of sciatica and lower back pain. After surgery, various factors may impede a patient's self-care ability, recovery status, and lower the quality of life (QOL). Providing appropriate health education to patients is of paramount importance. To accomplish this, we developed a set of innovative measures using virtual reality (VR) for postoperative patients and measured their effectiveness. Method: A convenience sampling method was used for a total of 50 patients from a teaching hospital in northern Taiwan, making up the experimental (VR/simulation health education measures) and control groups (routine care). Data were collected using structured questionnaires. Results: Innovative integration of VR and simulation used in health management education has significant effects on the physical component score of QOL (p =.002) one month after surgery. Patients receiving such education expressed feeling reassured and more confident to perform daily tasks. Conclusions: Health education simulation techniques using VR can improve QOL after lumbar disc herniation surgery.