JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Virtual Reality (VR) technology is a powerful tool for augmenting patient experience in pediatric setting. Incorporating the needs and values of stakeholders in the design of VR apps in healthcare can contribute to better outcomes for patients.

Objective:

This study follows a multi-perspective approach to investigate how future VR apps can be designed to improve the periprocedural experiences of children and adolescents, particularly those with sever anxieties.

Methods:

This study conducted research with clinicians through a focus group (n=4) and survey (n= 56). Semi-structured inetrviews were conducted with children and adolescents in an immunization clinic (n=3) and perioperative setting (n=65) and with parents and carers in the immunization clinic (n=3) and perioperative setting (n=35)

Results:

Qualitative data was examined to determine the experience needs, psychological needs, intervention strategies and design strategies that may contribute to better experiences for children in three age groups of 4-7, 8-11 and 12-17 years old.

Conclusions:

A set of ten design considerations are proposed for creating future VR experiences for pediatric patients. It was determined that better outcomes can be achieve by combining multiple VR solutions through a holistic approach that considers te roles of clinicians and carers in the patient’s experience. This involves delivering customized solutions to fulfill the needs of pediatric patients before and during the medical procedure. In particular, emotional goals can be embedded into the design of a VR app to help patients manage their anxiety, gradually guiding their experience from high to low levels of arousal.