Assessing the Use and Acceptability of Virtual Reality to Assist Coping in Children Undergoing Clinical Procedures

Abstract

Purpose

Virtual reality is used as a distraction tool during medical procedures that can cause anxiety and pain. We assessed the usefulness, engagement, value and feasibility of virtual reality to help children cope with routine clinical procedures.

Design and Methods

Quality improvement study. Children, 4–16 years old, were given the option to use virtual reality during their procedure in oncology, immunology or diabetes clinics, or during an induction of general anesthesia. The emotional state of the child was documented using the children's emotional manifestation scale. We assessed feedback from patients, parents, and clinicians.

Results

Across all clinics, children responded positively to the virtual reality and 80% would choose to use virtual reality again for health-related procedures. Parents and clinicians, respectively, reported that virtual reality helped children tolerate the procedure (82% and 87%), engaged children well (82% and 89%) and was a valuable tool (85% and 98%). Clinicians (90%) endorsed the feasibility of using virtual reality during procedures.

Practice Implications

This project demonstrated that virtual reality can be implemented as a useful, engaging and feasible tool to help children tolerate a variety of routine medical procedures. However, ensuring comfortable fit of virtual reality devices and diversifying the visual content is necessary.