Effects of distraction using virtual reality glasses during lumbar punctures in adolescents with cancer.

Abstract

To determine the effects of virtual reality (VR) glasses on adolescents with cancer undergoing lumbar punctures (LPs). Pilot study using an experimental, control group design. In-hospital oncology clinic. 30 adolescents with cancer (17 in the VR and 13 in the control group) undergoing frequent LPs. Subjects were randomly assigned to groups. Both groups received standard intervention during the LP, but the experimental group also wore VR glasses and watched a video. Following the LP, both groups rated their pain using a visual analog scale (VAS) and were interviewed to evaluate their experience. Pain, subjective evaluation of experience. Although VAS pain scores were not statistically different between the two groups (p = 0.77), VAS scores tended to be lower in the VR group (median VAS of 7.0, range 0-48) than in the control group (median VAS of 9.0, range 0-59). 77% of subjects in the experimental group said the VR glasses helped to distract them from the LP. VR glasses are a feasible, age-appropriate, nonpharmacologic adjunct to conventional care in managing the pain associated with LPs in adolescents. The clinical application of various age-appropriate distracters to reduce pain in adolescents undergoing painful procedures should be explored.