Virtual Reality vs. Standard-of-Care for Comfort During Minor Plastic Surgery Procedures in Children

A Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial of Virtual Reality vs. Standard-of-Care for Comfort During Minor Plastic Surgery Procedures in Children

Children often experience pain and anxiety during minor medical procedures. In addition to pain medication, distraction may help children cope with the pain. This may include interacting with books, TV, toys or videogames.

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 local anesthetics during minor painful procedure in the Plastic Surgery clinic. Pain, anxiety and satisfaction will be measured as well as the amount of analgesics used and the timing of the procedure. Outcome measures will be compared between the two groups.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Children age 6 to < 17 years
• Patients scheduled for minor elective plastic surgery 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)
• Facial features or injury prohibiting wearing the VR goggles
• Procedure in the face, where the VR system may interfere with Plastic Surgeon work