The effect of active and passive virtual reality distractions on phlebotomy-related emotional behavior, pain, anxiety, and fear in children: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND

School-age children can undergo phlebotomy using virtual reality (VR). Children experienced VR through a headset, and research using fully immersive VR is limited.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to determine the impact of active (fully immersive) and passive (immersive) VR distractions during blood collection on phlebotomy-related emotional behavior, pain, anxiety, and fear in children aged 6-12.

METHODS

This parallel, randomized controlled trial used a three-arm design approach, with the CONSORT checklist serving as a guide. The study sample (n = 150) was divided into active VR, passive VR, and control groups using stratified randomization. The mean scores were obtained from the Emotional Appearance Scale for Children, Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale, Child Fear Scale, and Child Anxiety Scale-State. Evaluation of scale scores according to time*group interaction was evaluated by analysis of variance in repeated measurements.

RESULTS

The fear score of the active VR group was significantly lower than passive VR group and the control group (p < .001). The pain, anxiety, and emotional behavior scores of the active VR group and the passive VR group were significantly lower than the control group (p < .001).

CONCLUSION

Both VR distractions were effective in reducing pain, anxiety, and negative behavior during phlebotomy (Clinical trials: NCT06336811).

APPLICATION TO PRACTICE

Children can be supported with pain, fear, anxiety, and emotional behavior management during phlebotomy by using fully immersive and immersive VR distractions.