The effect of virtual reality glasses used during vascular access on children's pain perception

This research was conducted as a randomized controlled experimental design to reduce the perception of pain during vascular access in children aged 7-14 by using virtual reality glasses. The sample of the study was obtained from a total of 108 children, 54 of whom were treated and 54 of whom were controls, hospitalized in Gaziantep Sani Konukoğlu Practice and Research Hospital Emergency Service and Pediatric Service Units between 12 July 2023 and 11 November 2023. "Data Collection Form", "Revised Facial Expressions Pain Scale-Revised (FPS-R)", "Visual Analog Scale (VAS)" and "Vascular Access" were used as data collection tools. Post-Procedure General Condition Evaluation Form' was used. Data were collected using face-to-face interview technique. Data were evaluated using the SPSS 24.0 statistical program and p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. When the heart rate values of children are examined; While there was no statistical significance between the experimental and control groups before the procedure (p<0.05), it was determined that the pulse values showed a statistically significant increase during and after the procedure (p<0.05). When oxygen saturation values are examined; While there was no statistical significance between the experimental and control groups before and after the procedure (p<0.05), it was determined that oxygen saturation values during the procedure showed a statistically significant decrease in the control group (p<0.05). It was determined that there was a statistically significant difference between the experimental and control groups in terms of FPS-R and VAS scores (p<0.05). The entire experimental group stated that watching videos during the procedure reduced the pain and that they thought this method worked. In addition, while 90.75% of the children expressed positive opinions with the answers "very good" and "good" to the judgment "How did you feel during the intravenous access procedure?", there were no participants who expressed a negative opinion. When the experimental and control groups were compared, it was determined that the children in the experimental group exhibited more positive attitudes in terms of the emotions they experienced during the vascular access procedure. According to these results; It has been determined that watching videos with virtual reality glasses reduces the pain felt during vascular access in children, increases compliance with the procedure by positively affecting their behavior, and has a positive effect on pulse and saturation values. Health professionals may be recommended to use virtual reality glasses to reduce pain in short-term painful procedures such as vascular access in hospitalized children.