Impact of Virtual Reality on Peri-interventional Pain, Anxiety and Distress in a Pediatric Oncology Outpatient Clinic

Impact of Virtual Reality on Peri-interventional Pain, Anxiety and Distress in a Pediatric Oncology Outpatient Clinic: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Pain and anxiety-inducing interventions have a major impact on pediatric patients. Pain reduction by virtual reality (VR) during port and vein punctures is well studied. This study investigates peri-interventional reduction of pain, anxiety and distress using VR compared to the standard of care (SOC) in a pediatric oncology outpatient clinic.

In a randomized, controlled cross-over design, patients aged 6-18 years experience potentially painful interventions accompanied by VR. All patients included in the study underwent port puncture or peripheral venous puncture in two observations : SOC (A) and VR (B) in a randomized order. Observational instruments include Numeral Rating Scale (NRS), Faces Pain Scale revised (FPS-r), Behavioral Approach Avoidance Distress Scale (BAADS), modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale (mYPAS-SF). In addition, parents and staff are interviewed. Specific conditions for VR in an outpatient clinic setting are being discussed.

Inclusion Criteria:

• aged 6-18 years
• any sex
• port puncture or placement of a peripheral venous catheter in pediatric outpatient clinic
• hematological or oncological diagnosis
• informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• epilepsy
• coronary artery disease
• history of severe vertigo
• obstacles to putting on and wearing VR glasses
• lack of informed consent for study participation.