Over a period of approximately six months, the concept was tested in routine operating-room practice at Klinikum Lippstadt with 14 staff members and 17 patients between 31 and 89 years of age. Feedback was positive almost across the board: patients reported a noticeable reduction in anxiety during procedures, which was also reflected in their heart rates. Nearly all respondents indicated strong agreement that they would use the technology again when possible. The pilot experience shows that immersive VR applications are not only technically feasible and usable in the operating room, but can also make a tangible contribution to a more pleasant patient experience.

Hygienic integration into day-to-day operating-room procedures was also tested in practice. As part of a microbiological environmental assessment of the VR headset used in the anesthesia area, samples were taken from the head strap and interior, among other areas. The result: no microbial growth; the samples raised no concerns from a microbiological perspective. This provides initial robust practical evidence that VR technology can be used hygienically in the operating room when appropriately reprocessed and integrated into clinical workflows.