A study at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles shows that engaging in VR can reduce pain and anxiety in children undergoing painful medical procedures and reduce the need for anesthesia.
It isn’t a matter of one needle puncture. Many children coming through the doors of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles are seen for chronic conditions and often require frequent visits. Painful procedures—like a blood draw or catheter placement—can cause anxiety and fear in patients. Now, a study published in JAMA Network Open shows that virtual reality can decrease pain and anxiety in children undergoing intravenous (IV) catheter placement.
For nearly two decades, Jeffrey I. Gold, PhD, an investigator at The Saban Research Institute of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, has been investigating the use of virtual reality (VR) as a technique to help children undergoing painful medical procedures. His research shows that the technology can have powerful effects. VR works so well that Children’s Hospital Los Angeles now offers it routinely for blood draws.
“Some patients don’t even realize that their blood is being drawn,” says Dr. Gold, who is also a Professor of Clinical Anesthesiology, Pediatrics, and Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at The Keck School of Medicine of USC. “Compare that to a child who is panicking and screaming, and it’s a no-brainer. We want kids to feel safe.”
In his recent publication, Dr. Gold’s team reports the results of a study to test whether VR could prevent pain and distress for patients undergoing peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) placement. The game is simple, but requires focus and participation. Patients in one group used VR throughout the procedure, while those in another group received standard of care, which includes simple distraction techniques and the use of a numbing cream. The patients who used VR reported significantly lower levels of pain and anxiety.
“We can actually reduce pain without the use of a medication,” says Dr. Gold. “The mind is incredibly powerful at shifting focus and actually preventing pain from being registered. If we can tap into that, we can make the experience much better for our kids.”
But the story is bigger than that.
This is one of the first studies to analyze the effects of VR not only from the patient perspective, but also from that of the clinician and the patient’s family or caregivers. All three of these groups reported a more positive experience with the use of VR. Dr. Gold calls this triangulation of data—gathering information from three perspectives in order to improve patient experience.
“We started this as a way to mitigate pain and overall distress in children. But caregivers and healthcare providers are also reporting improved outcomes,” adds Dr. Gold, “effectively treating the patient clearly has a ripple effect.”
Consider a typical scenario in which a child has a chronic illness and must routinely receive PIVC placement. A patient experiencing anxiety about her procedure may tense up, making it more difficult for the clinician to find a vein and insert the catheter. If multiple attempts are necessary, a child’s fear may amplify, causing a snowball effect, which in turn may impact medical adherence and ultimately long-term health outcomes.
If, on the other hand, the patient plays a virtual game while undergoing the procedure, she may relax and experience less pain, improving the overall experience for the child, the family, and the healthcare provider.
“Stress actually causes veins to constrict,” says Dr. Gold, “but you don’t need to know the physiology to know that it’s better to have a relaxed kid.”
The ripple effect goes further. A child’s experience during a visit sets the tone for future visits. If the experience feels traumatic, the child and family may be less likely to adhere with scheduled visits or may feel more stressed coming back to the hospital. “We don’t want a child’s healthcare experience to be another adverse childhood experience,” says Gold. Adverse childhood experiences, also called ACEs, can lead to poor health outcomes.
“We care about the healthcare experience that children have,” says Dr. Gold. “By reducing fear associated with routine procedures, we prepare the child to begin treatment with a more positive outlook, and this can affect their health for a lifetime.”
Original Article: A Game Changer: Virtual Reality Reduces Pain and Anxiety in Children
More from: Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
The Latest Updates from Bing News & Google News
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Virtual reality reduces pain
- This Tech Will Change Your Practice Sooner Than You Think
These five advanced technologies are already a reality for many doctors and could hit your office in the next few years.
- Virtual Reality and Biofeedback Training Appear Effective for DMD, BMD Rehabilitation
A recent study suggests virtual reality and biofeedback training may be feasible and effective for patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD).
- Virtual reality could make seeing your favorite band less expensive, if these artists have their way
Heavy-metal band Avenged Sevenfold and rapper T-Pain are among a growing number of artists who are using virtual reality to connect with their fans at a ...
- ShrutiSalunkhe Leads the Way in User-Centric VR and AR Design Innovation
ShrutiSalunkhe Leads the Way in User-Centric VR and AR Design Innovation.Illinois, USA - April 27, 2024 — Amidst the current state of ...
- Best home ellipticals to tackle all of your fitness goals in 2024
Whether you’re looking for a high-end elliptical or a basic machine that will get you moving, this guide will help you to find the best home elliptical for you.
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
Virtual reality reduces pain
[google_news title=”” keyword=”Virtual reality reduces pain” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Virtual reality reduces anxiety
- Here are 10 healthtech startups joining Northeastern’s Roux Institute in Maine
Ten new healthcare tech startups are taking part in Northeastern University's Roux Institute, with a year-long residency program that promises mentorship for the startups and innovation for Maine’s ...
- 4 Tips for Navigating Virtual Reality Safely
Virtual reality (VR) has taken major leaps forward in recent years. With the release of the Apple Vision Pro in early 2024, people are starting to realize how truly powerful this technology is and how ...
- Virtual reality could help treat eating disorders, Louisville researchers say
Kentucky researchers are developing and expanding a virtual reality treatment for eating disorders using a $125,000 grant from the National Eating Disorders Association, the University of Louisville ...
- VR Therapy for Mental Health Care through ‘gameChange’
The gameChange VR therapy intends to help reduce the patient’s anxiety and enable them to deal with everyday social situations.
- From Fitness Trackers to Virtual Reality: How Technology is Paving the Way for a Healthier Future
In a world where technology is constantly evolving, it’s no surprise that it’s now revolutionizing the way we approach fitness and overall health. From sleek fitness trackers to immersive virtual ...
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
Virtual reality reduces anxiety
[google_news title=”” keyword=”virtual reality reduces anxiety” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]