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Virtual reality vs. Tablet video for venipuncture education in children: A randomized clinical trial
Jiyoun Lee1, Jung-Hee Ryu1,2, Soo Hyun Seo3
1Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea.
Insights
Virtual reality (VR) education significantly reduced pain and distress in children undergoing venipuncture compared to standard video education. VR offers a more effective preprocedural approach for pediatric patients facing needle procedures.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Medical Education Technology
- Pain Management
Background:
- Venipuncture procedures in pediatric patients are frequently associated with significant pain and distress.
- Effective preprocedural education is crucial for mitigating anxiety and improving patient experience.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of virtual reality (VR)-based preprocedural education versus video-based education in reducing pain and distress during pediatric venipuncture.
- To evaluate the impact of immersive VR education on children's procedural outcomes and parental satisfaction.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 90 children aged 4-8 years undergoing venipuncture.
- Participants were assigned to receive preprocedural education via either a VR head-mounted display or a standard video on a tablet.
- Pain, distress, parental satisfaction, and procedural outcomes were assessed by an independent, blinded observer using validated scales.
Main Results:
- The VR group demonstrated significantly lower pain and distress scores (Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale) compared to the video group (P = 0.027).
- No significant differences were observed between groups regarding parental satisfaction or procedural outcomes, including venipuncture time and repeat procedure rates.
Conclusions:
- Immersive virtual reality preprocedural education is more effective than video-based education in reducing pain and distress for pediatric patients undergoing venipuncture.
- VR technology presents a promising tool for enhancing pediatric procedural care and patient comfort.
Abstract:
Pediatric patients usually experience high levels of pain and distress due to venipuncture. This randomised study aimed to evaluate the effects of virtual reality-based preprocedural education in comparison with video-based education in terms of pain and distress experienced by children scheduled to undergo venipuncture. Ninety children aged 4-8 years who were scheduled to undergo venipuncture surgery were randomly assigned to either a video or virtual reality group. Children in the video group received preprocedural education on venipuncture via a video displayed on a tablet and those in the virtual reality group received the same education via a head-mounted virtual reality display unit. The educational content for the two groups was identical. An independent assessor blinded to the group assignment observed the children's behavior and determined their Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale scores, parental satisfaction score, procedure-related outcomes, venipuncture time, number of repeated procedures and difficulty score for the procedure. The virtual reality group experienced less pain and distress, as indicated by their Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale scores compared with the video group (5.0 [5.0-8.0] vs. 7.0 [5.0-9.0], P = 0.027). There were no significant intergroup differences in parental satisfaction scores or procedure-related outcomes. For pediatric patients scheduled to undergo venipuncture, preprocedural education via a head-mounted display for immersive virtual reality was more effective compared with video-based education via a tablet in terms of reducing pain and distress.
