Virtual Reality Goggles Used To Ease Anxiety

In a WA-first, virtual reality goggles are helping children feel less anxious when they have blood tests and other painful procedures.

The technology is being used as a pilot program at St John of God Health Care hospitals and takes children on an underwater adventure to distract them. St John of God Health Care group director of information services Jenny Levy said the goggles were being tested this month on children aged three to 13.

“This virtual reality pilot program is a first in WA and highlights how we are continuing to transform our hospitals by incorporating technology to enhance the patient experience and meet the demands of future generations,” she said.

“Having seen the anxiety needle-based procedures induced in my daughter when she was a child and she still experiences as an adult, I could immediately see the value for patients.”

Ms Levy said feedback from the pilot program at SJOG Midland Public and Private Hospitals’ emergency department, children’s ward and pathology collection centre was encouraging. “The impact of the goggles has been immediate,” she said. “Children who have used the goggles are visibly more relaxed and their parents have also reported a reduction in their anxiety as they know their child is not distressed.”

– Cathy O’Leary

Image by Fernando from Unsplash