Badke CM, Krogh-Jespersen S, Flynn RM, Shukla A, Essner BS and Malakooti MR (2022) Virtual Reality in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: Patient Emotional and Physiologic Responses. Front. Digit. Health 4:867961. doi: 10.3389/fdgth.2022.867961
In this study, researchers evaluated the effects of virtual reality (VR) as an intervention for pain and distress management for patients hospitalized in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Feasibility outcomes included children’s engagement and enjoyment of VR. Patterns of physiological responses were assessed via heart rate variability. The study enrolled 115 PICU patients ages 3 to 17 years and capable of wearing the heart rate device. Participants selected from a set of 360-degree VR experiences, including adventures (i.e. roller coasters), animals (i.e. dogs, rabbits), and nature (i.e. landscapes) and used the VR as long as they wished. During the VR sessions, the researchers collected children’s comments, number of smiles and laughs, and engagement level. Immediately after the session, parents and participants completed a questionnaire on the acceptability of the VR experiences. Continuous heart rate data were extracted from bedside monitors. Results indicated that 94% of children enjoyed the experience, 83% of participants smiled and 72% made positive comments during the experience. On average, the participants had very high degree of engagement. Parents and children reported the VR is enjoyable and calming. Heart rate variability scores were higher during VR and returned to their pre-intervention state after VR. Overall, VR is a potential tool for enhancing the hospital environment for children. Further research is needed to understand the impact on patient physiology and clinical outcomes.