Virtual Reality Use in Pediatric Emergency Department Pain Management: Illustrative Case Report

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Emergency Medicine
• Medical Technology
• Pain Management

Background:

• Procedural pain, stress, and anxiety are significant concerns in pediatric emergency care.
• Common procedures like IV insertions and wound care are often painful for children.
• Nonpharmacologic pain management strategies, including distraction, are underutilized.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the clinical problem of undermanaged procedural pain in pediatric emergency settings.
• To explore the role of virtual reality (VR) as an effective nonpharmacologic intervention.
• To improve procedural pain management in pediatric emergency care.

Main Methods:

• Case report illustrating the use of virtual reality as a distraction technique.
• Utilizing VR technology to simulate immersion in a virtual world.
• Shifting pediatric patients' attention away from pain and anxiety during procedures.

Main Results:

• Virtual reality demonstrated success in managing procedural pain and anxiety.
• VR use optimized care efficiency in the emergency department.
• Patient and family satisfaction were improved through VR implementation.

Conclusions:

• Virtual reality is a promising nonpharmacologic intervention for pediatric procedural pain.
• VR offers a novel distraction method to enhance patient well-being in emergency care.
• Implementing VR can lead to better outcomes and satisfaction in pediatric emergency settings.