The effect of virtual reality glasses used during intravenous catheter application on the Child's emotional responses

Abstract

Purpose: This study was conducted to determine the effect of virtual reality glasses used during intravenous catheter insertion on the child's emotional responses. Design and methods: The sample of the research, which was carried out as a randomized controlled experimental study, consisted of 102 children, including 51 in the control group and 51 in the study group, who were aged between 7 and 12 years and were on treatment in the pediatric emergency department(PED). Research data were collected using a Descriptive Data Form for Children and the Children's Emotional Manifestation Scale. No intervention was applied to the control group. After the tourniquet was tied in the study group, the children started watching a video of their choice through virtual reality glasses. When the process was completed, the video was stopped. During this period, the child was evaluated using the Children's Emotional Manifestation Scale. Results: A statistically significant difference was found between the Children's Emotional Manifestation Scale scores of the children in the study and control groups (p = 0.000). The scores of the children in the study group were statistically significantly lower than the scores of the children in the control group. Conclusion: During the intravenous catheter insertion process, children who watched cartoons on virtual reality glasses showed less negative emotional behavior than those who did not. Practice implications: The use of virtual reality glasses is a developing technology in child health services, and it is recommended to encourage their use in these services. © 2024 Elsevier Inc.