The effect of a biofeedback-based virtual reality game on pain, fear and anxiety levels during port catheter needle insertion in pediatric oncology patients: A randomized controlled study

• Published in: European journal of oncology nursing : the official journal of European Oncology Nursing Society 2024-06, Vol.70, p.102621, Article 102621
• Main Authors: Savaş, Eyşan Hanzade, Semerci, Remziye, Bayram, Cengiz
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1462-3889; 1532-2122; 1532-2122
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2024.102621

It is essential to control pain, fear, and anxiety related to medical procedures to improve the well-being of the child and family trying to cope with the disease process. This study investigated the impact of the biofeedback-based virtual reality game (BioVirtualPed) on pain, fear, and anxiety levels during port needle insertion in pediatric oncology patients (POPs). This randomized controlled study was conducted at a hospital between August and December 2023 involving 62 POPs aged 6–12 and their mothers. The intervention group wore a virtual reality headset and a respiratory sensor during the procedure. Data were collected using the Descriptive Information Form, Wong-Baker Pain Assessment Scale, Child Fear Scale, Children's State Anxiety, Satisfaction Scoring-Visual Analog Scale, and ADXL354 Sensor. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS for Windows Version 24.0. The intervention group showed lower mean pain scores than the control group (p  0.05 and p > 0.05, respectively). Post-procedure fear and anxiety scores were lower in the intervention group (p