Virtual Reality on Pain, Fear and Emotional Experience During Port Needle Insertion

In pediatric hematology-oncology patients, the need for a central venous catheter may arise in some cases to provide treatment. Totally implanted vascular access devices are known as "ports," and port catheters are commonly used due to their lower risk of infection. To maintain the port system and prevent infection, the port needle should be replaced every 5-7 days. During the course of treatment, pediatric hematology-oncology patients undergo frequently repeated procedures associated with high levels of pain and distress. Pain and distress resulting from repeated procedures are often uncomfortable symptoms for pediatric patients and their families. There are pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods to reduce pain and anxiety during port needle procedures in pediatric hematology-oncology patients. One pharmacological method, distraction, increases pain tolerance by focusing attention away from the painful stimulus. This technique is used as a powerful tool for pain and anxiety management in pediatric pain. Virtual reality glasses, used as a distraction method, provide access to an interactive, three-dimensional, computer-simulated environment through a head-mounted device that blocks out real-world views. It is stated that distraction with virtual reality is a beneficial non-pharmacological method for children during hospital-based needle applications for pediatric patients. This study evaluated the effect of virtual reality on pain, fear, and emotional appearance related to needle procedures in pediatric hematology-oncology patients during port needle changes.

Sex

All

Minimum age

4 Years

Maximum age

12 Years

Inclusion Criteria:

* The child having a port catheter in place.
* The child agreeing to voluntarily participate in the study.
* The parent agreeing to voluntarily participate in the study.
* Obtaining consent forms from both the child and the parent.

Exclusion Criteria:

The child had a physical or psychological deficits that would prevent the child from wearing the headset needed to watch virtual reality