19 Jan 2022

Virtual reality technology helping reduce anxiety and hospital stays for children

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A team at the Birmingham Children 's Hospital have been using virtual reality technology to help reduce anxiety for children having minor surgical procedures, in turn reducing the need for general anesthesia and length of stays in hospital.

The innovative technique, which has been used successfully with more than 60 young people so far, uses a special headset as a form of distraction therapy leading up to their procedure.

The highly immersive VR experience includes balloon shooting and rollercoaster rides.

While watching and concentrating, patients stay still for longer, improving experiences, reducing anxiety and reliance on pre-anaesthetic sedative medication.

It's already been introduced with success, particularly with children aged eight and above, including for minor cardiology and ward-based procedures with feedback received from families being overwhelmingly positive.

Lumbar puncture procedures have also taken place while the patient is awake using VR, under local anaesthesia whilst being distracted by playing highly immersive virtual reality games, featuring balloon shooting and rollercoasters rides.

Without anaesthesia, children avoid the risks and side effects of general anaesthesia, and can be discharged from hospital sooner.

Dr Ben O 'Sullivan, consultant anaesthetist leading the introduction of virtual reality, said: “The side effects too can sometimes be unpleasant. Anti-nausea medications can be given but this new technique using VR can help reduce the reliance on sedative medications for minor medical procedures, meaning they can be discharged and return to their homes more quickly. ”

Dr O 'Sullivan is looking forward to continuing trialing the virtual reality to support a future play therapy service the team would like to integrate into more of our hospital theatres.

Pictured: 15-year-old patient Jack using virtual reality