Virtual Reality for the Reduction of Pain During Venipuncture in Children With CF

Children with Cystic fibrosis (CF) have to undergo several needle-related procedures during outpatient visits or hospital stay. It is common for children with CF to display distress and behavioural problems during invasive procedures. Children with chronic diseases have a lower threshold of pain compared to non-chronic patients. Effective management of needle distress in children with CF is critical. Although pharmacological and non pharmacological methods are used during needle -related procedures to lower painful stimuli nearly all patients with CF experience anxiety. Distraction has been shown to be an effective technique that directs children's attention away from noxious stimuli. The application of Virtual Reality (VR) in the medical field has been shown to be successful already 15 years ago. VR has found its use during the medication of burns and in patients undergoing cancer treatments whereas so far few studies have been published to assess its efficacy in reducing needle related pain and distress in children and none in children with CF. Objectives To assess the efficacy of VR in reducing pain and distress during venipuncture in children with CF compared to routine care. Project description Randomized controlled parallel trial with a 1 to 1 allocation ratio. The use of VR compared to standard care during venipuncture in children with CF (age 6-18 years) attending the outpatient clinic of the CF Centre of Florence will be compared over the period of 1 year. Patients randomly assigned to arm A will use VR during the procedure, those patients assigned to arm B will receive routine care. Anticipated output Determination of the efficacy of VR in lowering pain and distress during venipuncture.