McCahill, Robyn J., Nagle, Cate, and Clarke, Patricia (2021) Use of virtual reality for minor procedures in the emergency department: a scoping review. Australasian Emergency Care, 24 (3). pp. 174-178.

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Abstract

Background: The objective of this review was to collate, summarise and report evidence on the use of VR as an interventional tool for pain and anxiety management during ED procedures.

Methods: Guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) we searched Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus and PsychInfo databases, grey literature and reference lists of included studies.

Results: From 162 articles, 4 fulfilled the selection criteria and demonstrated VR was effective as an intervention for management of pain and anxiety during ED procedures. The level of evidence was variable: 2 randomised controlled trials (RCT); a descriptive study; and a commentary on a literature review. Participants were aged 4–17 years and the sample sizes were small (n = 20, 59, 64). One RCT compared efficacy of VR to 2 other standard of care (SOC) distractors while the other RCT assessed for VR efficacy and safety. All four articles cited benefits of VR distraction as a procedural intervention in ED.

Conclusions: A small number of studies involving children undergoing needle insertion in ED found VR to be a safe and effective means of managing procedural anxiety, providing a more effective strategy than standard care. Studies with larger samples, involving different procedures and across age groups are required.

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