VR-PAT for Pain and Anxiety Management During Pediatric Dermatologic Laser Procedures

Pilot Feasibility Clinical Trial of Virtual Reality for Pain Management During Repeated Pediatric Laser Procedures

This study will assess the feasibility and efficacy of our Virtual Reality Pain Alleviation Therapy (VR-PAT) for pain management during pediatric and young adult outpatient laser procedures and evaluate the impact of VR use on reducing anxiety in patients undergoing dermatologic laser procedures. The investigators hypothesize that patients using VR-PAT will report less pain and anxiety during the laser procedure than patients who do not play the game.

In this two-group crossover randomized clinical trial, patients will be randomly assigned to either the VR-PAT intervention group or control group (same VR google without game) at the first laser procedure and will then cross-over to the alternative group for the second laser procedure. Survey questions to assess pain and anxiety and control for confounding factors will be asked before and after each procedure.

Inclusion Criteria:

• dermatology patients (5+ years) who are undergoing first laser procedure at the Nationwide Children's Outpatient Laser
• have a legal guardian present for patients less than 18 years old for the procedure (for informed consent)
• can communicate orally

Exclusion Criteria:

• any wounds that may interfere with study procedures
• usage of a diode laser (VR safety has not been established yet)
• vision, hearing, or cognitive/motor impairments preventing valid administration of study measures
• history of motion sickness, seizure disorder, dizziness, or migraine headaches precipitated by visual auras
• minors in foster care
• unable to communicate in English
• pregnant women
• prisoners