JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Participants with β-thalassemia frequently experience repeated hospital visits and cannulations, leading to chronic pain and anxiety, which adversely affect their quality of life. Virtual Reality (VR) has shown efficacy in managing the pain and anxiety associated with medical procedures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of therapeutic VR on pain, anxiety, fatigue, boredom, and participant satisfaction during intravenous (IV) cannulation procedures

Objective:

This study evaluated the effectiveness of therapeutic VR in reducing pain and anxiety during IV cannulation among thalassemia participants, compared with SOC. Secondary objectives included assessing the impact of VR on fatigue, boredom, and participant satisfaction.

Methods:

A single-center, non-randomized crossover clinical trial was conducted at the Dubai Thalassemia Center, United Arab Emirates, between May and September 2024. Participants aged >7 years undergoing routine IV cannulation received SOC during their first visit, followed by VR-assisted cannulation during two subsequent visits. Outcomes were assessed using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores for pain, anxiety, fatigue, and boredom. Physiological parameters, including heart rate and blood pressure, were also recorded. Comparisons between SOC and VR sessions were performed using paired statistical tests, with statistical significance set at P<.05

Results:

A total of 115 participants completed at least one SOC session, and 111 participants completed at least one VR session. Overall, 82% of the participants were older than 18 years, and 51% were male. The mean anxiety score was significantly lower in the VR group (2.24 ± 2.6) than in the SOC group (2.92 ± 2.3; p=0.02). Similarly, the fatigue score was significantly lower in the VR group (1.67 ± 1.3) than in the SOC group (2.65 ± 2.2; p=0.01). Boredom scores (1.72±1.4 vs 2.67±2.2; P=.035) were also significantly reduced with VR. Pain scores were lower in the VR group but did not differ significantly from SOC (2.23±1.8 vs 2.89±2.1; P=.07). Participant satisfaction was numerically higher with VR (90% vs 85%; P=.237). No VR-related adverse events were reported, and the intervention was well tolerated.

Conclusions:

The usage of VR for the intervention is feasible, safe, and generally well-tolerated by thalassemia participants. VR effectively reduces anxiety and fatigue during routine intravenous cannulations. These findings are particularly relevant for participants who undergo lifelong, repeated procedures that cumulatively contribute to procedural distress. Clinical Trial: Clinical Trial Registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07099196, identifier: NCT07099196, registered 2025-07-05. This trial was registered retrospectively.