USING VIRTUAL REALITY DURING IMMUNOTHERAPY FOR CHILDREN: PILOT STUDY P. Oosterlinck ,J. Willekens, P. Gevaert, T. Verhaeghe, L. Moons, R. Vermeir, P. Vermeir
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND AIM
The benefits of virtual reality (VR) in the medical industry have been demonstrated by several studies. VR has proven to be effective in various indications and in different types of patients. Next to reduced anxiety, patients using VR also experience decreased levels of pain. This study aims to demonstrate the usefulness of VR in allergen specific immunotherapy for children.
METHOD
This pilot study was conducted in March and April, 2019. 16 children between 6 and 16 years old, receiving immunotherapy were included after signing informed consent.
The children completed a shortened version of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) before and after therapy. In addition, a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used to measure the pain during therapy with and without VR.
RESULTS
Ratings of anxiety before and after VR therapy were significantly different, with lower scores after VR therapy (p= ,004). VAS scales were significantly lower with VR (1,25
± 0,86 vs. 2,75 ± 2,38 without VR; p= ,014). There were no age- or gender-related differences in pain and anxiety scores.
CONCLUSION
This pilot study showed reduced anxiety and pain experience with the use of VR during immunotherapy in children. Further studies with larger sample size are needed to confirm these results.
Keywords: virtual reality, innovation, anxiety, pain, allergy, immunotherapy
