Realidad virtual: ¿puede ayudar en la realización de procedimientos invasivos a niños? Virtual reality: can this help in the performance of invasive procedures on children?

Abstract

Objective. Evaluate if using Virtual Reality (VR) could be useful to reduce perceived pain between children facing painful procedures.

Material and methods. An observational prospective study was performed in paediatric patients who attended the Paediatric ICU’s Day hospital to get invasive procedures done, where a previous venipuncture was needed.

Results. 22 patients were included (13 males and 9 females) of ages between 5 and 16 years old, with an average of 9.7 ± 3.5 years old. The most common procedure, performed in 14 patients, was digestive endoscopy. Pain measurement was analyzed with Wong-Baker and visual analog scales, depending on childrens’ ages, getting a final pain average of 2.42 ± 2.06 out of 10 points. What is more, the satisfaction level was studied with a non validate scale going from 0 to 4, getting a result of 3.89 points between patients; 3.71 between their parents; 3.94 between doctors and 3.50 between nurses.

Conclusion. Using VR is suitable for children undergoing painful procedures, getting a high satisfaction level with the intervention, and it could contribute to diminish pain level perceived by the patient.