Effectiveness of virtual reality distraction during a painful medical procedure in pediatric oncology patients

Authors: Wolitzky, Kate¹; Fivush, Robyn²; Zimand, Elana³; Hodges, Larry⁴; Rothbaum, Barbara Olasov⁵

Source: Psychology and Health, Volume 20, Number 6, Number 6/December 2005 , pp. 817-824(8)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

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Abstract:

The effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) as a behavioral intervention designed to decrease distress during port access procedure was examined in 20 7- to 14-year-old pediatric oncology patients. Children were randomized to either engage in an immersive VR environment during the procedure or to a no VR control condition. Children's distress was assessed through subjective self-ratings and objective physiological and behavioral ratings. Narrative accounts of the experience were used as a measure of how well the child coped with the procedure. VR was effective in reducing children's distress on all measures. Implications of these findings for intervention are discussed.

Keywords: Virtual reality; pediatric oncology patients; physiological and behavioral ratings

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14768320500143339

Affiliations: 1: Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, 1 University Station A8000, Austin, TX 78751 2: Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322 3: Virtually Better, Inc., 2450 Lawrenceville Highway Suite 101 Decatur, GA 30033 4: Department of Computer Science, College of Information Technology, University of North Carolina, 9201 University City Blud Charlotte, NC 28223 5: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The Emory Clinic, 1365 Clifton Rd., Atlanta, GA 30322

Publication date: 2005-12-01