Using virtual reality goggles to reduce pain during blood draws in children
Optimizing the Patient Experience: Virtual Reality Goggle Utilization for Venipuncture Distraction - Can we Decrease Anxiety and Pain During This Common Procedure?
NA · Montefiore Medical Center · NCT04479735
This study is testing if using virtual reality goggles can help kids aged 5-21 feel less pain and anxiety during blood draws compared to just using a cream for numbing.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Ages | 5 Years to 21 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Montefiore Medical Center (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Bronx, New York) |
| Trial ID | NCT04479735 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This trial evaluates the effectiveness of virtual reality goggles in reducing perceived pain and anxiety during venipuncture in hospitalized children aged 5-21. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either standard care with a topical anesthetic or standard care plus the use of virtual reality goggles. The study aims to assess the impact of VR on the experience of blood draws, with a focus on improving patient comfort and reducing distress. Data will be collected through questionnaires and assessments conducted by trained study personnel.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are hospitalized children aged 5-21 scheduled for a venipuncture.
Not a fit: Patients who are developmentally or physically inappropriate for VR use or those who refuse topical anesthetic will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce pain and anxiety for children undergoing venipuncture.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results using virtual reality for pain management in pediatric procedures, indicating potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: patients aged 5-21 years old admitted to the 6th floor of the inpatient unit who are scheduled for a venipuncture during morning phlebotomy rounds Exclusion Criteria: Patients developmentally or physically not appropriate to use the VR equipment as determined by their parent, guardian or healthcare provider, if there is discomfort related to wearing the goggles (for example: recent neurosurgery, migraines, hardware on head), patient have photosensitive seizures or infectious concern such as scabies, lice, COVID-19 that can't reliably be disinfected. Patient (\>18) or Parent or guardian (for patient \< 18) that does not speak English, Spanish or Arabic will be excluded. If patient refuses Lidocaine 2.5%/Prilocaine 2.5% cream use they will also be excluded from the study. -
Where this trial is running
Bronx, New York
- Montefiore Medical Center — Bronx, New York, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Courtney A McNamara, MD — Montefiore Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Courtney A McNamara, MD
- Email: comcnama@montefiore.org
- Phone: 540 514 4389
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.
Conditions: Pain, Procedural, virtual reality