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Table 3 Challenges and limitations of included studies

From: Opportunities and challenges of virtual reality-based interventions for patients with breast cancer: a systematic review

Challenges categories

Challenge/ Limitation/ Obstacle subcategories

Studies

VR-related

Weight of headsets and helmets

[33, 41]

User resistance because of first exposure to the VR

[19, 41]

Quality of visual image

[33]

Weakness of learning ability

[41]

Need for familiarization stage to use of VR

[19]

Adverse effects of medication on the effective use of VR

[37]

Cost of the equipment

[20]

Study-related

Small sample size

[30, 33, 34, 37, 41,42,43]

Study design

[7, 31, 32, 36, 38, 42]

Single study site

[33,34,35, 42]

Lack of generalizability

[20, 41, 42]

Risk of bias

[7, 36, 42]

Lack of standardized measurement tools

[30, 35]

The intervention was used only once with each patient

[7, 35]

Lack of blinding

[7]

Investigating short‐term effects

[7]

Short duration of the study

[38]

Non-compliance of patients

[43]

Insufficient data collection

[41]

Patient unwillingness to complete questionnaires

[19]