The effect of the Veinlite PEDI2 and passive virtual reality distraction on peripheral catheter insertion-related emotional behavior, pain, fear, and anxiety of children: A randomized controlled trial

Background

Virtual reality (VR) distraction can be used during peripheral intravenous catheter (PIC) insertion. The vein imaging devices are recommended for increasing PIC success.

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a Veinlite PEDI2 and passive VR distraction on the first attempt at PIC insertion success, duration of insertion, emotional behavior, pain, fear, and anxiety associated with PIC insertion in children aged 4–10 years in the pediatric emergency department.

Methods

The study was conducted with a total of 160 children who were assigned to groups (control, vein imaging, VR, and vein imaging with VR) through stratified randomization. The duration and number of attempts for PIC insertion were recorded. The children's emotional state, fear, and anxiety were evaluated before and after the procedure. After the procedure, pain was evaluated using the Wong-Baker FACES and Color Analog Scale. The mean scores obtained from the scales were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test.

Results

The PIC success rate on the first attempt was 80–85% in the groups. A significant difference was found between the groups in terms of total emotional behavior scores (KW = 21.608, df = 3, p < 0.001). There were statistically significant differences among the groups in emotional behavior, pain, and anxiety scores after the procedure, while no difference was observed in fear scores (KW = 6.485, df = 3, p = 0.09).

Conclusions

VR distraction effectively reduced pain and anxiety, while the Veinlite PEDI2 did not affect the first attempt at PIC insertion or duration.

Application to practice

VR and Veinlite PEDI2 can be used for PIC insertion-related pain and anxiety (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT06243419).