Virtual Reality vs Standard-of-Care for Comfort During Intravenous Catheterization

A Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial of Virtual Reality vs Standard-of-Care for Comfort During Intravenous Catheterization

Children often need an intravenous catheter placement for delivery of fluids and medications, a procedure associated with pain and anxiety. In the Emergency Department topical anesthetics are frequently used.

Virtual Reality (VR) is an immersive experience using sight, sound, and position sense. Using VR may enhance distraction during the painful procedure and may reduce attention to pain.

This study will randomize children (6 - 16 years old) to receive Virtual Reality or standard of care in addition to topical anaesthetics during IV placement procedure. Investigators will measure pain, anxiety and satisfaction, amount of analgesics used and the level of success in placing the IV and compare between the two groups.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Children age 6 - <17
• The managing physician determines a need for an intravenous catheterization (IV) procedure
• Parents will sign a consent form and children will sign an assent form

Exclusion Criteria:

• Children with conditions that may prohibit participation or evaluation of the procedure (such as developmental delay, autism, others)
• Triage Category 1 (resuscitation)
• Facial features or injury prohibiting wearing the VR goggles