Preparing children for medical procedures with 2D, 360, and virtual reality videos
Evaluating the Impact of Digital Media on Patient-Reported Experience and Outcomes in Pediatrics
This trial tests whether 2D videos, 360-degree videos, or 360-degree videos viewed in virtual reality better reduce anxiety before procedures and pain afterward for children and young adults aged 5–23.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 500 (estimated) |
| Ages | 5 Years to 23 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | British Columbia Children's Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Vancouver, British Columbia) |
| Trial ID | NCT07073027 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Children and young adults aged 5–23 who are scheduled for procedures are randomized to one of three preparation formats: 2D video, 360-degree video on a smartphone, or 360-degree video viewed in virtual reality using a cardboard headset. The study plans to enroll about 500 participants and collects patient-reported anxiety and pain measures before and after the preparation via a secure mobile app. Videos present the hospital environment, staff, equipment, and descriptions of the upcoming procedure to set expectations. The main comparisons are pre-procedural anxiety and post-procedural pain across the three media formats.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Children and young adults aged 5–23 who can follow instructions and communicate in English, have or can access a smartphone, and are scheduled for an approved procedure at BC Children's Hospital.
Not a fit: Children under 5 or over 23, those with significant vision, hearing, cognitive, or motor impairments, those who cannot use English, or those without smartphone access are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide a low-cost, easy-to-deliver way to lower pre-procedure anxiety and post-procedural pain for children.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies of virtual reality and immersive media have shown reductions in procedural anxiety and pain in children, but direct comparisons between 2D, 360, and VR formats are limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Between the ages of 5 to 23 * Able to follow instructions and communicate in English * Own or have access to a smartphone * Scheduled for an upcoming (approved) procedure. Exclusion Criteria: * Under the age of 5 or older than 23 * Vision, hearing, cognitive, and/or motor impairments * Cannot follow instructions and/or communicate in English * Do not own or have access to a smartphone.
Where this trial is running
Vancouver, British Columbia
- BC Children's Hospital — Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Brian Greeley, PhD
- Email: brian.greeley@digitallab.org
- Phone: 604-875 2345
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.