Use of Virtual Reality Game Playing During Venipuncture

Use of Virtual Reality Game Playing During Venipuncture

To evaluate the impact of using virtual reality, VR, game playing on successful completion and reduction of distress and pain in pediatric venipuncture, and to increase adherence in obtaining the desired blood volume.

Participants will be randomly assigned using a random number generator to either the virtual reality condition, or to the standard procedure that includes using books and/or watching movies as a standard method of distraction.

Participants will take part in the study during their scheduled research venipuncture. The venipuncture lasts approximately 15-30 minutes. Pre and post venipuncture questionnaires for both participant and parent will take 15 minutes to complete. Total study time is between 30 and 45 minutes. Questionnaires completed by research personal will take 15 minutes to complete.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Participants aged 8-19 years old that are receiving a blood draw as part of their ReCHARGE evaluation
2. History of distress or refusal of blood draws or similar medical procedures OR
3. Parent or child endorsement of fear, anxiety, concern or adherence in past blood draw during the recruitment phone call, consent or child evaluation will be offered the potential of the VR intervention OR
4. Endorsement of anxiety or concerns with medical procedures on an in house phlebotomist blood draw screening form will also be used as inclusion criteria.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. History of seizures.
2. Vision loss or significant visual impairment to the degree that the participant is unable to see the activity and features of the VR game.