Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 25, 2025
Author Spotlight: Segmentation and VR for Advanced Neurovascular Interventions
Published on: April 5, 2024
Virtual Reality for Pediatric Oncology Port-A-Cath Access: A Pilot Effectiveness Study
Louisa Rygh1,2, Sonal Johal1, Hana Johnson1,3
1Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA.
Insights
Virtual reality (VR) interventions may significantly reduce pain and fear in children undergoing chemotherapy port-a-cath procedures, particularly for younger patients. Most participants found VR usable and desired to use it again.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Medical Technology
- Child Psychology
Background:
- Port-a-cath procedures are highly distressing for children undergoing cancer treatment.
- Minimizing procedural distress is crucial for maintaining treatment adherence and quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the usability and effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) interventions for pediatric patients during port-a-cath procedures.
- To assess the impact of VR on children's pain, distress, and fear levels.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study involving 20 families of children (ages 4-17) with cancer undergoing port-a-cath access.
- Patients and parents rated pain, distress, nausea, and dizziness before and after VR intervention.
- Semistructured interviews were conducted with patients and parents to assess VR usability.
Main Results:
- A significant decrease in fear scores was reported by both children and parents.
- Younger children showed a significant reduction in pain scores.
- High usability was reported, with 87.5% using VR during the procedure and 85.7% wishing to use it again.
- Nurses reported no workflow interference.
Conclusions:
- Commercially available VR interventions show promise in reducing fear and pain during pediatric port-a-cath procedures.
- VR may be a beneficial tool for managing procedural distress in pediatric oncology.
- Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the benefits of VR in this context.
Abstract:
Introduction: Port-a-cath procedures are among the most distressing aspects of pediatric cancer treatment. The current study aimed to examine the usability of virtual reality (VR) interventions for children undergoing chemotherapy port-access procedures. Methods: Families (N = 20) of children with cancer, 4-17 years old (M = 8.70 years, SD = 3.71), were recruited. Patients and parents rated patients' dizziness, nausea, pain, and distress, and participants were shown how to use VR prior to the use of the procedure. After port-a-cath access, patients and parents rated pain and distress during the intervention. Semistructured interviews were conducted to examine the usability of the intervention. Result: A significant difference was identified for change in children's pain score for younger children, F(2, 11) = 4.16, p < .05. A significant decrease in fear scores was observed on child and parent reports. The VR headset was used during the procedure by 87.5% of the participants, while the rest used it before but took it off during the procedure, and 85.7% wished to use it again. No concerns were reported by 84.6% of the nurses and 92.3% reported no interference with their workflow. Discussion: More research is needed to fully understand the benefits of VR interventions during children's chemotherapy port procedures. The findings of this pilot study suggest that the use of commercially available VR intervention may reduce children's fear and pain levels during the port-a-cath procedure, especially for younger children.
