Virtual Reality for Procedural Pain During IV Cannulation in Children

This study evaluates whether virtual reality (VR)-based distraction can reduce pain during intravenous cannulation and venous blood sampling in children treated in a pediatric emergency department. Children aged 6-11 years who required these procedures received either standard care or VR distraction using age-appropriate audiovisual content. The primary outcome was procedure-related pain measured by the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale. Secondary outcomes included procedural duration, cooperation, first-attempt success, behavioral distress, and parental satisfaction. The study also explored whether the effectiveness of VR was associated with patient engagement during the procedure.

Inclusion Criteria: * Children aged 6-11 years * Requirement for intravenous cannulation or venous blood sampling in the -pediatric emergency department * Ability to understand and engage with virtual reality content * Written informed consent obtained from parent or legal guardian Exclusion Criteria: * Visual or hearing impairment preventing VR use * Neurological or developmental disorders affecting communication or cooperation * Altered level of consciousness * Hemodynamic instability requiring immediate intervention * Previous participation in the study * Refusal of participation by the child or parent/legal guardian * Contraindications to virtual reality exposure (e.g., severe motion sickness or intolerance)