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Effectiveness of virtual reality distraction during a painful medical procedure in pediatric oncology patients |
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| Authors: | Kate Wolitzky Robyn Fivush Elana Zimand Larry Hodges |
| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Psychology , University of Texas at Austin , 1 University Station A8000, Austin, TX 78751;2. Department of Psychology , Emory University , Atlanta, GA 30322;3. Virtually Better, Inc. , 2450 Lawrenceville Highway Suite 101 Decatur, GA 30033;4. Department of Computer Science , College of Information Technology , University of North Carolina , 9201 University City Blud Charlotte, NC 28223 |
| Abstract: | The effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) as a behavioral intervention designed to decrease distress during port access procedure was examined in 20 7- to 14-year-old pediatric oncology patients. Children were randomized to either engage in an immersive VR environment during the procedure or to a no VR control condition. Children's distress was assessed through subjective self-ratings and objective physiological and behavioral ratings. Narrative accounts of the experience were used as a measure of how well the child coped with the procedure. VR was effective in reducing children's distress on all measures. Implications of these findings for intervention are discussed. |
| Keywords: | Virtual reality pediatric oncology patients physiological and behavioral ratings |