Virtual Reality for Procedure Pain in Pediatrics

Abstract

Painful procedures are an inevitable aspect of pediatric hospitalization causing distress for patients. Recent research presents virtual reality (VR) as a promising alternative to mitigate procedural pain and anxiety. This synthesis examines the impact of VR distraction during painful procedures in hospitalized pediatric patients aged 6 to 18 years. A literature search identified five randomized controlled trials comparing VR to standard care. Findings consistently demonstrated reduced pain perception and anxiety with VR use. VR intervention presents minimal risks and aligns with patient-centered care principles. Future research should explore optimal VR programming, efficacy in younger age groups, and long-term outcomes.