Effect of Virtual Reality Headset for Pediatric Fear and Pain Distraction During Immunization

Abstract

Aim: Fear of needles is a well-known phobia among children and adults. This study presents the rationale, feasibility and results of a pilot study applying a virtual reality (VR) headset as a fear reduction and pain distraction during immunizations. Patients & methods: 17 subjects and 17 parents rated their fear and pain level pre- and postimmunization using Wong–Baker pain scale and McMurtry children’s fear scale. Immunization was provided, while subject was wearing a VR headset. Results: Ratings of anticipated versus actual fear and pain due to immunizations improved following use of the VR headset in 94.1% of pediatric subjects. Conclusion: The use of a VR headset was well received and reduced overall fear and pain in children receiving immunizations.

Keywords::

• distraction
• fear
• immunization
• pain
• pediatric
• procedure
• psychology
• virtual reality

Ethical conduct of research

The authors state that they have obtained appropriate institutional review board approval or have followed the principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki for all human or animal experimental investigations. In addition, for investigations involving human subjects, informed consent has been obtained from the participants involved.

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.