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Impact of virtual reality on fear and pain in pediatric patients undergoing preoperative preparation: A randomized
Merve Gümüş1, Ayçin Ezgi Önel1, Şeyda Binay-Yaz2
1Ege University, Nursing Faculty, Department of Pediatric Nursing, 35100 Izmir, Turkey.
Insights
Virtual reality (VR) educational videos significantly reduced postoperative pain in children undergoing surgery. While preoperative fear did not differ between groups, VR effectively decreased fear within the intervention group, offering a promising nonpharmacological approach.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric nursing
- Medical technology
- Pain management
Background:
- Preoperative fear and postoperative pain are significant challenges in pediatric surgery.
- Nonpharmacological, child-centered interventions are crucial for emotional preparation.
- Virtual reality (VR) offers a novel approach to support pediatric patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of VR-based educational videos on preoperative fear and postoperative pain in children aged 5-12 undergoing surgery.
- To assess VR as a nonpharmacological intervention in pediatric surgical care.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial adhering to CONSORT guidelines.
- Seventy-four children were randomized into VR and control groups.
- Data collected via sociodemographic forms and validated fear/pain scales, with assessments by child, nurse, and researcher.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in preoperative fear between groups.
- Significant reduction in fear within the VR group post-intervention (p < .001).
- Significantly lower postoperative pain scores in the VR group across all evaluator types (p < .05).
Conclusions:
- VR-based education is a feasible, nonpharmacological intervention for reducing fear and pain in pediatric surgical patients.
- VR can be integrated into preoperative routines to enhance emotional preparation and pain management.
- This approach supports child-centered care and improves perioperative outcomes.
Background:
Preoperative fear and postoperative pain are common problems in children undergoing surgery and may adversely affect perioperative outcomes. Nonpharmacological, child-centered interventions that support emotional preparation are increasingly emphasized in pediatric nursing care.
Objective:
To investigate the effects of virtual reality based aducational video on preoperative fear and postoperative pain in children aged 5-12 years undergoing surgery.
Design/Methods:
This randomized controlled study was conducted in accordance with CONSORT guidelines. Seventy-four children were assigned by block randomization to the virtual reality (VR) group (n = 36) or control group (n = 38). Data were collected using a sociodemographic form, the Children's Fear Scale, and the Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale. Preoperative fear and postoperative pain were assessed at two time points by child, nurse, and researcher ratings.
Results:
No significant between-group differences were found in preoperative fear scores (p > .05). However, fear scores significantly decreased after the intervention within the VR group across all evaluators (p < .001). Postoperative pain scores were significantly lower in the VR group at both assessments, as reported by parents, nurses, and researchers (p < .05 for all).
Conclusions:
VR-based education may reduce preoperative fear and postoperative pain in children aged 5-12 years undergoing surgery and represents a feasible nonpharmacological intervention in pediatric nursing care.
Implications To Practice:
VR-based educational interventions may support emotional preparation and pain management in pediatric surgical care. As a feasible nurse-led approach, VR can be integrated into routine preoperative practice to enhance perioperative outcomes and promote child-centered care.