VR for Pediatric Burn Dressing Changes

Active and Passive Virtual Reality Distraction for Pain Management During Pediatric Burn Dressing Changes

This study evaluated a smart phone virtual reality (VR) to manage pediatric burn dressing pain. A randomized controlled trial was conducted among 90 patients (6-17 years). Active VR participants played the game, passive VR group were immersed in the same VR without interactions, and a standard care group served as the control. One researcher administered VR and observed pain while another researcher administered post-trial survey that measured child's perceived pain and VR experience. Nurses were asked to report the clinical utility.

Inclusion Criteria:

• children age 6-17 years (inclusive)
• admitted or seen in the outpatient clinic for a burn injury
• spoke English as primary language

Exclusion Criteria:

• a severe burn on the face or head that prevented the utilization of the VR
• cognitive or motor impairment that prevented valid administration of study measures
• visual or hearing impairments that prevented interaction with the VR environment
• did not have a legal guardian present to give consent