A Randomized Control Trial of Virtual Reality to Reduce Anxiety During Pediatric Cast Removal
Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare
Summary
This study is a randomized control trial of Virtual Reality during cast removal procedures at a pediatric tertiary care center.
Description
Cast removal is a common outpatient procedure and is a source of pain and anxiety for children. Children are often frightened by the appearance and the noise of the saw. Additionally, the saw blade can become warm, and this can be uncomfortable. Multiple methods have been used and studied to try to make this experience easier for children. These methods include: soft music, therapeutic play, and headphones. Virtual reality (VR) devices are now increasingly affordable and portable. VR could be a way to distract children from the appearance and sound of the procedure. VR has been used in other c…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 4–12 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Sustained a fracture in their arm/leg * No previous experience with a cast removal * Must have at least one wrist free of immobilization (for heart rate monitor) * Parents and patient are English speaking Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with a history of epilepsy, ventricular shunt, motion sickness * Patients with any history of cognitive, visual or hearing impairment
Interventions
- DeviceVirtual Reality (VR)
Participants in the experimental group will receive an AppliedVR virtual reality headset during their cast removal.
Location
- Gillette Children's Specialty HealthcareSaint Paul, Minnesota