Effect of Virtual Reality Headset for Pediatric Fear and Pain Distraction During Immunization – a Pilot Study.

Fear of needles is a well-known phobia among
children and adults. Several distraction techniques
have been used, but fear prior to and pain following
immunizations remains a significant issue for children
and their parent/guardian. We present the rationale,
feasibility, and results of a pilot study applying a
virtual reality (VR) headset aimed as a fear reduction
and pain distraction during immunizations. Ratings
of anticipated vs. actual fear and pain due to immunizations improved following use of the VR headset
in 94.1% of pediatric subjects. The Wong-Baker pain
scale and McMurthy children’s fear scale were used.
Average decrease in fear score in subjects was 90%
and 77% in pain score. The decrease in fear score as
perceived by the parent was 77% (p=0.05) and 83%
(p= 0.02) in perceived pain. The use of a virtual reality
headset was well-received and reduced overall
fear and pain in children receiving immunizations.