Virtual reality can reduce impacts of anxiety on pediatric cancer patients’ health, says oncologist
A new study at Lawson Health Research Institute and Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) is using virtual reality (VR) in hopes of minimizing fear and anxiety in pediatric patients during painful medical procedures, often used in cancer treatments.
The study looks at cancer patients between the ages of five to 17 who require port access, a reservoir that sits under the skin in which a needle must be inserted to administer blood work or give daily medication. A procedure which can quite painful for patients.
“I see a lot of kids undergoing painful procedures and even though we provide them with anesthetic in some capacity, they still experience a significant amount of discomfort and it’s probably related to anticipatory anxiety and stress,” said LHSC’s emergency pediatric physician, Dr. Naveen Poonai.
