The uses of virtuality reality (VR) extend beyond gaming and are proving to significantly reduce both pain and anxiety experienced by children undergoing painful procedures in emergency departments.
Griffith University researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 16 studies involving 1,929 participants which included 905 children using VR, 766 in a control group, and 258 in an active-comparison group.
Professor Bronwyn Griffin from Griffith’s School of Nursing and Midwifery said procedural pain and anxiety remained a common challenge in paediatric emergency care.
“VR provides an engaging distraction and can help children cope during stressful procedures without requiring medication,” Professor Griffin said.
“Emergency department treatment mostly included needle-related procedures included intravenous cannulation, blood collection, vaccinations and other injections, laceration repairs, and wound closures.”
The study found VR significantly reduced children’s self-reported peak procedural pain compared with routine care, and reduced pain compared with other active interventions or distraction methods.
Children also reported significantly lower anxiety and fear when using VR with caregivers also reporting improvements in their child’s pain and anxiety levels.
“The findings support VR as an effective, non-pharmacological option which can complement standard clinical care, making emergency care less traumatic for children and their families while improving the overall patient experience,” Professor Griffin said.
“Emergency departments can be frightening and painful for children.
“We should be looking at all options to improve their care while at the same time lowering their pain levels, fear and anxiety.”
The paper ‘Virtual reality interventions for paediatric pain and anxiety management during emergency department procedures: A systematic review and meta-analysis’ has been published in the Journal of American College of Emergency Physicians Open.
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