Virtual reality for routine immunisations in needle phobic children with and without developmental disabilities: A...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric healthcare
• Medical technology
• Psychological interventions

Background:

• Virtual Reality (VR) has shown promise in improving pediatric needle procedure experiences.
• Its utility in supporting immunizations for children with anxiety and behavioral challenges, including those with developmental disabilities, remains unevaluated.
• This study addresses the gap by assessing VR for immunizations in needle-phobic children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of using Virtual Reality (VR) for routine immunizations in children experiencing needle phobia.
• To include children with and without developmental disabilities in the assessment.
• To gather insights from children, caregivers, and clinicians regarding VR's role in vaccination.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-method pilot study was conducted at a children's hospital.
• Participants included needle-phobic children aged 4-14 years, with and without developmental disabilities, undergoing immunization.
• VR was offered as an adjunct to standard care, with data collected via electronic surveys and qualitative interviews.

Main Results:

• VR preparation was quick (80% in <5 min). Most children (96%) used VR before immunization, and 57% continued during the procedure.
• Successful immunization was achieved in 90% of children, with reduced sedation needs.
• VR use during immunization led to a more positive experience for 94% of users, and 63% of all participants found VR beneficial.

Conclusions:

• Virtual Reality (VR) appears feasible and acceptable for immunizing children with needle phobia, irrespective of developmental disability status.
• The positive outcomes suggest VR's potential to enhance vaccination experiences for this population.
• Findings support the design of a randomized controlled trial to further assess VR's effectiveness.