The Effect of Virtual Reality On Pain and Anxiety During Blood Draw in Children: A Randomized Controlled Study

Purpose: The study was carried out to determine the effect of virtual reality applied during blood collection upon pain and anxiety in children aged 5-12. Design and Methods: In this randomized controlled study, children included in the sample group were assigned to the control group (n=43) and Aquarium VR group (n=45) using block randomization. "Child State Anxiety Scale " and "Wong-Baker Faces Pain Scale" were used to collect the data of the study. Children in the Aquarium VR group watched the "Aquarium VR" application through virtual reality glasses during the procedure. The children in the control group benefited from routine nursing services. The pain scores after blood collection and anxiety scores before and during blood collection in children in both groups were interpreted.