Dissertation
Virtual Reality for Needle Procedures
University of Iowa
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), University of Iowa
Spring 2025
Abstract
Background. Needle procedures, including port needle insertions, are the most painful experiences for hospitalized children. These common procedures can cause phobias that persist in adulthood. These phobias may lead to avoidance of blood draws, vaccinations, and blood donations. Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as an evidence-based distraction tool shown to reduce pain and anxiety during needle procedures. Purpose. The purpose of this evidence-based practice project is to reduce the pain and fear associated with needle procedures in pediatric hematology/oncology patients through virtual reality distraction. Methods. The Iowa Model guided this evidence-based practice project. The setting of this project was a single pediatric hematology/oncology unit within a Midwestern academic children s hospital. Patients aged 6-21 years used a VR headset shortly before port access, during their procedure, and ending immediately after. Both patients and registered nurses completed post-procedure surveys. Results. Fourteen patients aged 6-21 years participated in the implementation of this project while undergoing port needle insertion. On average, participants fear and pain were reduced at least a little with only three participants reporting VR did not help their pain and two reporting VR did not help their fear. All patients reported enjoying using the VR device. All implementing staff reported that the VR device was easy to use and did not disrupt their workflow, and 87.5% (n=14) perceived a benefit to their patient. No adverse effects like nausea or headache were reported. Discussion. Although this project has a small sample size, it adds clinically significant findings to a population that is less commonly studied. This project shows that VR headsets, which are inexpensive and readily available, can be implemented as an option for distraction for children undergoing port access to provide enjoyment while decreasing pain and fear experienced without disrupting previously established workflows.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Virtual Reality for Needle Procedures
- Creators
- Jarod Smith - University of Iowa
- Contributors
- Amalia Gedney-Lose (Chair) - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Project Type
- Poster
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), University of Iowa
- Degree in
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Date degree season
- Spring 2025
- Publisher
- University of Iowa
- Number of pages
- 1 page
- Copyright
- Copyright 2025 Jarod Smith
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- College of Nursing; Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects
- Record Identifier
- 9984841037602771
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