Wonders of the World in virtual reality for hospitalized children
Immersive Bedside Teaching for Hospitalized Pediatric Patient - A Prospective, Mixed-method, Cohort Study
This project will try using virtual reality plus bedside activities to bring hospitalized children ages 5–17 to the Wonders of the World to boost their joy and connection to learning.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 5 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Stanford University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Palo Alto, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT06911996 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Stanford's Chariot Program partners with the Palo Alto Unified Hospital School to deliver immersive virtual reality visits to world landmarks for pediatric inpatients. Children will use VR headsets at the bedside and take part in complementary hands-on activities to reinforce the learning experience. The project targets English-speaking patients aged 5–17 who are expected to stay in the hospital more than one day and excludes those with significant neurological conditions, seizure history, or severe motion sickness. Investigators will measure emotional responses such as joy and awe using standardized emotional scales before and after sessions.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are English-speaking hospitalized children aged 5–17 with an expected stay longer than one day and a legal guardian available to give consent, who do not have major neurological disorders or seizure risk.
Not a fit: Children with significant neurological or developmental disabilities, recent major surgery, active face or hand infections, severe motion sickness, seizure history, or non-English speakers may not be eligible or benefit from the intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the intervention could increase emotional well-being, engagement with learning, and a sense of normalcy for hospitalized children during recovery.
How similar studies have performed: Previous pediatric VR programs have shown reductions in pain and anxiety and improvements in mood, though using VR specifically as an organized 'Wonders of the World' immersive learning program at the bedside is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Between the age of 5 and 17. * English speaking. * Anticipated in-patient stay for more than 1 day. Exclusion Criteria: * Legal guardian not present to obtain consent * Child with a significant neurological condition, or major developmental disability * Child with active infection of the face or hand * A history of severe motion sickness * A history of seizures caused by flashing light * Major surgery within the last 12 hours
Where this trial is running
Palo Alto, California
- Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford — Palo Alto, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Thomas Caruso, MD, PhD
- Email: tjcaruso@stanford.edu
- Phone: 6504970927
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.