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Effect of Virtual Reality Headset for Pediatric Fear and Pain Distraction During Immunization – a Pilot Study.

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Date Issued:
2017
Summary:
Fear of needles is a well-known phobia among children and adults. Several distraction techniques have been used, but fear prior to and pain following immunizations remains a significant issue for children and their parent/guardian. We present the rationale, feasibility, and results of a pilot study applying a virtual reality (VR) headset aimed as a fear reduction and pain distraction during immunizations. Ratings of anticipated vs. actual fear and pain due to immunizations improved following use of the VR headset in 94.1% of pediatric subjects. The Wong-Baker pain scale and McMurthy children’s fear scale were used. Average decrease in fear score in subjects was 90% and 77% in pain score. The decrease in fear score as perceived by the parent was 77% (p=0.05) and 83% (p= 0.02) in perceived pain. The use of a virtual reality headset was well-received and reduced overall fear and pain in children receiving immunizations.
Title: Effect of Virtual Reality Headset for Pediatric Fear and Pain Distraction During Immunization – a Pilot Study.
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Name(s): Sulaiman, Emaan
Rudnick, Chad
Orden, Jillian
Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry
Type of Resource: text
Genre: Poster
Date Created: 2017
Date Issued: 2017
Publisher: Florida Atlantic University
Place of Publication: Boca Raton, Florida
Physical Form: application/pdf
Extent: 1 p.
Language(s): English
Summary: Fear of needles is a well-known phobia among children and adults. Several distraction techniques have been used, but fear prior to and pain following immunizations remains a significant issue for children and their parent/guardian. We present the rationale, feasibility, and results of a pilot study applying a virtual reality (VR) headset aimed as a fear reduction and pain distraction during immunizations. Ratings of anticipated vs. actual fear and pain due to immunizations improved following use of the VR headset in 94.1% of pediatric subjects. The Wong-Baker pain scale and McMurthy children’s fear scale were used. Average decrease in fear score in subjects was 90% and 77% in pain score. The decrease in fear score as perceived by the parent was 77% (p=0.05) and 83% (p= 0.02) in perceived pain. The use of a virtual reality headset was well-received and reduced overall fear and pain in children receiving immunizations.
Identifier: FA00005638 (IID)
Subject(s): College students --Research --United States.
Held by: Florida Atlantic University Libraries
Sublocation: Digital Library
Persistent Link to This Record: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005638
Restrictions on Access: Author retains rights.
Host Institution: FAU