Effects of Virtual Reality and Tablet Distraction During IV Cannulation in Children

The study was designed as a randomized controlled trial involving children aged 7 to 12 years who required intravenous cannulation in a pediatric emergency department. Eligible participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to a virtual reality group, a tablet group, or a control group.

Children assigned to the virtual reality group watched an entertaining audiovisual video using a virtual reality headset during intravenous cannulation. Children assigned to the tablet group watched the same video on a tablet during the procedure. Children in the control group underwent intravenous cannulation according to the routine clinical practice of the emergency department without an audiovisual distraction intervention.

Anxiety and fear were assessed immediately before intravenous cannulation and again five minutes after the procedure. Pain was assessed immediately after intravenous cannulation. The primary purpose of the study was to determine whether virtual reality and tablet-based distraction reduced procedure-related pain, anxiety, and fear and to compare the effectiveness of these interventions.

Inclusion criteria

• It was that the child belonged to the 7-12 age group and was fully conscious.

Exclusion criteria

• Children with hearing, cognitive, or visual impairments; children unaccompanied by a parent; children with whom communication cannot be established; and children with critical health issues and/or conditions requiring immediate intervention.