Effect of Virtual Reality and Tablet-Based Distraction Techniques on Behavioral Distress in Children During Urinary Catheterization

Urinary catheterization is a common yet highly stressful medical procedure in pediatric settings, often leading to significant behavioral distress, anxiety, and pain. High levels of distress can complicate the procedure and lead to negative psychological outcomes for the child. While traditional distraction methods exist, advanced technological approaches such as Virtual Reality (VR) and tablet-based games are gaining attention; however, more comparative evidence is needed regarding their efficacy during specific invasive procedures like catheterization.

This study will be conducted as a randomized controlled trial at the Children's Welfare Teaching Hospital within the Medical City Complex in Baghdad. A total of [Insert Number] children requiring urinary catheterization will be enrolled and randomly assigned to one of three groups:

Virtual Reality (VR) Group: Children will engage with immersive VR content using a headset during the procedure to provide a high level of sensory immersion.

Tablet-Based Group: Children will use interactive games or videos on a handheld tablet, representing a more common digital distraction tool.

Control Group: Children will receive routine procedural care or standard distraction as per the hospital's current protocols.

Data will be collected using standardized tools to measure behavioral distress, such as the Observational Scale of Behavioral Distress-Revised (OSBD-R). The study will compare the effects of these distraction methods on the level of distress exhibited by the children before, during, and after the procedure. Additionally, the study aims to provide clinical evidence that can be integrated into nursing practice at the Children's Welfare Teaching Hospital to enhance the quality of pediatric nursing care and reduce the psychological impact of invasive procedures.

Inclusion criteria

• Age: Children aged 6 to 16 years.
• Procedure: Children undergoing urinary catheterization at the Children's Welfare Teaching Hospital.
• Cognitive Status: Children with normal cognitive development and the ability to follow instructions.
• Sensory Ability: Children with normal or corrected-to-normal vision and hearing.
• Consent: Obtaining written informed consent from the legal guardian and verbal assent from the child.

Exclusion criteria

• Medical History: History of epilepsy, seizures, or severe motion sickness (VR safety).
• Emergency Cases: Children requiring urgent/emergency catheterization.
• Disabilities: Children with intellectual disabilities or significant physical impairments.