Usability and Satisfaction of Augmented Reality During Pediatric Anesthesia Induction: A Pilot Study

The induction of anesthesia in children is a frightening experience. Augmented reality (AR), a head-mounted gaming experience, may increase cognitive load and reduce overall distress in children during induction. The study investigates the satisfaction and usability of AR during induction from the perspectives of the patient, caregiver, and health care provider. In this pilot study, 24 patients aged 10-19 years underwent an AR intervention during anesthesia induction. Patients, caregivers, and health care providers completed pre- and postprocedural surveys, including the anxiety thermometer visual analog scale (VAS), the Gold & Rizzo Immersion and Presence (GRIP) inventory. The primary outcome was determined by conducting univariate analyses and evaluating qualitative data to gauge the overall usability and satisfaction of AR. Patients, caregivers, and health care providers were highly satisfied with the AR intervention. Eighty-eight percent of health care providers reported the AR game helped patients during induction. Caregivers rated the AR's effectiveness in reducing patient anxiety at a mean of 9.25 out of 10. Patients rated AR's helpfulness 9.1 out of 10 and calming effects 8.8 out of 10. Patients did not experience an increase in anxiety during induction relative to baseline levels based on VAS ratings (p = 0.102). The GRIP inventory demonstrated that AR had moderate to high satisfaction, immersion, and functionality. Patients, caregivers, and health care providers supported the usability and calming benefits of AR with high levels of satisfaction. The intervention is immersive, fun, and easy to use, with the ability to engage patients during pediatric anesthesia induction. The trial was registered before patient enrollment at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04268914, Principal Investigator: J.I.G.., Date of Registration: October 22, 2019).