Perioperative Virtual Reality for Pediatric Anesthesia

Perioperative Virtual Reality for Pediatric Anesthesia: Pediatric Distraction on Induction With Virtual Reality (PEDI-VR)

The goal of this study is to evaluate the use of immersive audiovisual distraction and virtual reality to reduce perioperative anxiety in pediatric patients undergoing surgery at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital. The study plans to employ virtual reality headsets during induction of anesthesia in pediatric patients for elective surgery in a randomized clinical trial.

The goal of this study is to evaluate the use of immersive audiovisual distraction and virtual reality to reduce perioperative anxiety in pediatric patients undergoing surgery at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital. The study plans to employ virtual reality headsets during induction of anesthesia in pediatric patients for elective surgery in a randomized clinical trial. We will be enrolling patients age 5-12 years presenting for elective surgery.

Patients will be randomized to one of two groups: (1) virtual reality headset with routine anesthetic care and (2) routine anesthetic care only.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients aged 5-12 years
• Patients present in preoperative area for induction of general anesthesia for an elective surgery or procedure

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with injuries to the head/face that would prohibit wearing of headsets
• Patients with loss of consciousness, altered mental status, life-threatening injuries/illness or multi-trauma
• Patients with open skin, lice, scabies, or other infectious skin conditions on the head/face
• Patients with a history of or current symptoms of vertigo
• Patients who are blind
• Patients with significant developmental or cognitive delays who may not be able to engage with or tolerate the virtual reality environment, as determined by their parent/caregiver
• Patients on whom the VR headset does not fit appropriately
• Non-English speaking patients (due to limited availability of non-English study documents and consents)