Use of Virtual Reality Distraction to Reduce Child Pain and Fear during Painful Medical Procedures in Children with Physical Disabilities in Uganda: A Feasibility Study

Abstract

Abstract Objective This study explored the acceptability and feasibility of the use of low-cost virtual reality (VR) glasses, and the Wong-Baker Faces Pain Scale and Children’s Fear Scale scales, for pain and fear reduction in children admitted at the septic ward of CoRSU Rehabilitation Hospital in Uganda. Methods In total, 79 children aged 4–17 years of age were offered to watch cartoons using VR glasses while undergoing painful dressing procedures. Before and after the procedure, children were asked to index current pain; children and their caregivers were asked to rate anticipated fear. Focus group discussions with 13 children, 10 caregivers and 9 nurses explored acceptability and feasibility. Quantitative data were analyzed using STATA15, NVIVO12 was used for qualitative data analysis. Results The VR glasses were accepted by 76 (96%) of the children. Children, caregivers, and nurses mentioned the glasses were helpful in distracting children from the medical procedure and felt the use of the glasses helped reduce child fear and pain. Nurses felt it made their work easier. The Wong-Baker Faces Pain Scale was an acceptable and feasible method to measure pain, while the Children’s Fear Scale was more difficult to interpret for our study population as they felt the faces on the scale were hard to read and identify with. Conclusions The use of VR glasses may offer an acceptable and effective pain and fear reduction method in resource-constrained settings and should be further explored in a randomized controlled trial.