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Virtual Reality for Distraction and Relaxation in a Pediatric Hospital Setting: An Interventional Study With a
Sylvie Bernaerts1, Bert Bonroy2, Jo Daems2
1Expertise Unit Psychology, Technology and Society, Thomas More University of Applied Sciences, Antwerp, Belgium.
Frontiers in Digital Health
|June 17, 2022
Summary
Virtual reality (VR) effectively reduces pain and anxiety in children during medical procedures. This study found the Relaxation-VR system to be feasible, acceptable, and tolerable for pediatric patients and clinicians.
Area of Science:
- Medical Technology
- Pediatric Healthcare
- Pain Management
Background:
- Virtual reality (VR) shows promise for managing pediatric pain and anxiety.
- Widespread clinical adoption is limited, partly due to missing clinician feasibility and acceptability data.
- Understanding clinician perspectives is crucial for integrating VR into routine care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility, acceptability, and tolerability of the Relaxation-VR system in pediatric patients (aged 4-16) and clinicians.
- To evaluate the preliminary effectiveness of VR in reducing pain, anxiety, and stress, and increasing happiness in hospitalized children.
Main Methods:
- A mixed-methods study involving pediatric patients (4-16 years) and hospital clinicians.
- Assessed patient outcomes including pain, anxiety, stress, and happiness using pre-to-post measures.
- Evaluated clinician perceptions of VR feasibility and acceptability post-implementation.
Main Results:
- The Relaxation-VR prototype was found to be acceptable, feasible, and tolerable for pediatric patients and clinicians.
- VR use demonstrated a reduction in patient anxiety, pain, and stress (tension).
- VR use was associated with an increase in patient happiness during hospital procedures.
Conclusions:
- The Relaxation-VR system is a viable tool for distraction and relaxation in pediatric healthcare settings.
- VR integration is supported by both pediatric patients and clinicians, indicating potential for broader clinical use.
- VR offers a promising non-pharmacological approach to improve the hospital experience for children.
