Original article / research
Impact of Virtual Reality on Pain and Fear among Hospitalised Children Undergoing Venipuncture: A Quasi-experimental Study
SC05-SC08
Correspondence
Dr. Priya Reshma Aranha,
Professor, Department of Child Health Nursing, Yenepoya Nursing College, Yenepoya Deemed to be University, Deralakatte, Mangaluru-575018, Karnataka, India.
E-mail: priyareshma@yenepoya.edu.in
Introduction: Pain and worry during painful procedures like needle pricks are normal among children admitted in hospitals and can make their overall treatment harder. Virtual Reality (VR) is rapidly becoming a potent new tool that employs immersive play to divert youngsters from their pain and anxiety, while tried-and-true psychological techniques assist alleviate this suffering.
Aim: To assess the effectiveness of VR in mitigating pain and fear in children during venipuncture.
Materials and Methods: The present quasi-experimental study was conducted in the Paediatric Wards of Yenepoya Medical College Hospital, a tertiary care centre, from September 2024 to August 2025, with main data collection in January and March 2025. The children aged 8-12 years undergoing their first venipuncture after admission was included in the study. The study involved 82 school-age children, 41 each in intervention and control groups. The intervention group received VR during venipuncture and the control group received routine hospital care. Parameters assessed were pain and fear during venipuncture using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and child fear scale. Statistical analysis was performed using frequencies, percentages, Mann-Whitney U, and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests for score comparisons. Karl Pearson’s correlation was used to relate post-procedure pain and fear, while the chi-square test determined associations with demographic variables.
Results: The mean age of children was 10.05±1.57 years; majority was males (51.2% in the intervention group and 63.4% in the control group). The mean post-test pain score was less in the intervention group (2.05±0.74) compared to the control group (6.37±1.69). At the same time the mean post-test fear scores were less in the intervention group (0.20±0.40) compared to the control group (2.07±0.34). The study also found a very highly significant difference (p<0.001) in the mean post-test pain and fear scores between the groups. A strong positive correlation was found between pain and fear scores in children undergoing venipuncture (r=0.82; p<0.001).
Conclusion: The VR is found effective in reducing the pain and fear among children undergoing venipuncture.