Effects of distraction using virtual reality glasses during lumbar punctures in adolescents with cancer.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effects of virtual reality (VR) glasses on adolescents with cancer undergoing lumbar punctures (LPs).


METHODS
Pilot study using an experimental, control group design.


METHODS
In-hospital oncology clinic.


METHODS
30 adolescents with cancer (17 in the VR and 13 in the control group) undergoing frequent LPs.


METHODS
Subjects were randomly assigned to groups. Both groups received standard intervention during the LP, but the experimental group also wore VR glasses and watched a video. Following the LP, both groups rated their pain using a visual analog scale (VAS) and were interviewed to evaluate their experience.


METHODS
Pain, subjective evaluation of experience.


RESULTS
Although VAS pain scores were not statistically different between the two groups (p = 0.77), VAS scores tended to be lower in the VR group (median VAS of 7.0, range 0-48) than in the control group (median VAS of 9.0, range 0-59). 77% of subjects in the experimental group said the VR glasses helped to distract them from the LP.


CONCLUSIONS
VR glasses are a feasible, age-appropriate, nonpharmacologic adjunct to conventional care in managing the pain associated with LPs in adolescents.


CONCLUSIONS
The clinical application of various age-appropriate distracters to reduce pain in adolescents undergoing painful procedures should be explored.
Sander Wint
Suzanne
S
Children's Hospital of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
Eshelman
Debra
D
Steele
Jill
J
Guzzetta
Cathie E
CE
D000293:Adolescent; D001288:Attention; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009147:Music Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000592:standards*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010146:Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010865:Pilot Projects; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D012064:Relaxation Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000592:standards*; D013129:Spinal Puncture / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014743:Videotape Recording / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000592:standards*