Effects of immersive virtual reality exposure in preparing pediatric oncology patients for radiation therapy.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Procedural anxiety in children undergoing radiation therapy (RT) is common and is associated with poor procedural compliance and an increased used of general anaesthesia (GA). There is emerging evidence that Virtual Reality (VR) technology may reduce medical procedural distress through realistic and educative exposure to actual procedures via virtual simulation.

Objective

To examine the feasibility, acceptability and efficacy of an Immersive VR exposure intervention aimed at reducing anxiety and enhancing preparedness for pediatric patients undergoing radiation therapy, and their parents.

Method

A convenience sample of patients (6-18 years) scheduled for RT, and their parent caregivers, were recruited consecutively over a 14-month period. Patients were expo

SUBMITTER: Tennant M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8274338 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature