PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Hetty Jane Breed
AU  - Elizabeth Jones
AU  - Jonathan Cubitt
TI  - Use of immersive virtual reality to reduce anxiety during complex paediatric dressing changes
AID  - 10.1136/bcr-2022-252998
DP  - 2023 Feb 01
TA  - BMJ Case Reports
PG  - e252998
VI  - 16
IP  - 2
4099  - http://casereports.bmj.com/content/16/2/e252998.short
4100  - http://casereports.bmj.com/content/16/2/e252998.full
SO  - BMJ Case Reports2023 Feb 01; 16
AB  - In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in the practical applications of virtual reality (VR) in healthcare. One discussed application of this technology is to reduce anxiety during procedures for paediatric patients. Following skin loss in paediatric patients, careful management of the wound with appropriate dressings and frequent dressing changes is a key part of the treatment process. In children, continued dressing changes are often a source of anxiety, which complicates procedures causing distress to the child, their parents and staff members. VR systems have the potential to not only reduce anxiety but also pain in children requiring frequent dressing changes. Although our knowledge of this technology is improving, further research is needed to evaluate its full potential in this population and to establish guidelines to take advantage of the full potential of VR technology.