Evaluation of Technology-Based Stress Reduction Techniques Prior to Vascular Access

Anxiety among children undergoing vascular access is common. Not only is high anxiety traumatic, but research indicates that high anxiety in children before surgery leads to adverse outcomes such as increased pain and analgesics requirements, delayed hospital discharge, and maladaptive behavioral changes. Treating anxiety may decrease any of these undesirable behaviors.

In this study, investigators hope to determine if technology based distractions (VR headsets) are more effective than standard care for preventing high anxiety before vascular access. As a secondary aim of the study, we seek to determine if the use of technology based distraction will result in higher parent and patient satisfaction, decreased fear, and increased compliance, while monitoring for side-effects of the intervention.

Inclusion criteria

• be between ages of 7-18 years of age
• have comprehension of instructions in the English language
• have parental consent
• Pediatric patient must be undergoing non-emergent vascular access at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital in one of the 6 previously defined care areas (please see study design in Section 16).
• Children who are normally healthy (ASA I) or have a mild systemic disease (ASA II,III)-

Exclusion criteria

• Significant cognitive impairment/developmental delays per parental report or H&P.
• Children with ASA IV (severe systemic disease that is a constant threat to life) or ASA V (unstable patients not expected to survive >24hours or without the operation)
• H/o severe motion sickness, nausea, seizures