Title
Is Virtual Reality for Acute Pain Reduction in Adolescents Undergoing Burn Wound Care Effective?
Date of Award
2019
Degree Type
Selective Evidence-Based Medicine Review
Degree Name
Master of Science in Health Sciences - Physician Assistant
Department
Physician Assistant Studies
Department Chair
Laura Levy, DHSc, PA-C
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not the use of virtual reality (VR) is an effective method of pain reduction in adolescents undergoing burn wound care.
STUDY DESIGN: Includes a review of two English based randomized controlled trials, and one English based descriptive exploratory study. These studies were published in 2007-2014.
DATA SOURCES: Two randomized control trials (RCT’s) and one exploratory study were found searching PubMed database. Both the random control trials and the exploratory study compare the use of virtual reality interventions against either medical management only or a combination of medical management and passive distraction techniques.
OUTCOMES MEASURED: Pain intensity was measured using APPT, Speilberger state-trait anxiety inventory for children, Pre-procedural questionnaire, Post-procedural questionnaire, VAS – visual analogue scale (self-reported), VAS – visual analogue scale (caregiver reported), FLACC – Faces, legs, activity, cry, consolability – nurse observations, Adolescent reactions, and Faces scale.
RESULTS: The RTC by Kipping, et al. showed no statistically significant improvement in pain intensity using virtual reality for adolescent burn care (P value=0.16 (dressing removal) and P value=0.40 (Dressing application)). The RTC by Jeffs, et al. showed no statistically significant improvement in pain intensity using virtual reality for adolescent burn care (P value=0.029). The exploratory study by Chan, et al. et al showed no statistically significant improvement in pain intensity using virtual reality for adolescent burn care (P value>0.05)
CONCLUSIONS: There was no clinically significant decrease in self-reported pain intensity with the use of VR during wound care in both the RTC by Kipping, et al. and RTC by Jeffs, et al. respectively. In the exploratory study by Chan, et al.; although not clinically significant, the VR intervention is more effective than simple distraction for pain reduction.
Recommended Citation
Wood, Michelle, "Is Virtual Reality for Acute Pain Reduction in Adolescents Undergoing Burn Wound Care Effective?" (2019). PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship. 434.
https://digitalcommons.pcom.edu/pa_systematic_reviews/434