Virtual anesthesia: The use of virtual reality for pain distraction during acute medical interventions

Abstract

Pediatric pain management for routine medical interventions continues to receive considerable attention. To date, investigators have demonstrated the efficacy of simple pain distraction strategies for acute procedures (ie, venipuncture) as well as more invasive interventions (ie, wound care, chemotherapy). Recent technological advances in the field of virtual reality (VR) have produced more engaging forms of pain distraction. Although clinical case studies and randomized control trials have begun to explore the utilization of VR anesthesia, this research is still in its infancy. In spite of some limitations, VR researchers have successfully demonstrated its feasibility, satisfaction, and innovation for decreasing pain associated with medical interventions. VR anesthesia also has the potential to minimize pharmacological therapy, thereby reducing risks associated with sedation. Future directions in VR anesthesia are contingent on further technological advances, sound methodology, and appropriate participant-to-intervention match. This manuscript reviews current literature on state-of-the-art pain distraction and future directions in VR.