What does the research say about VR distraction for children?
Distraction is one of the best-documented non-pharmacological methods for reducing children's pain, fear and anxiety during needle procedures. Here is the research NXT/Care builds on – with links to the sources.
- Used by the Capital Region of Denmark
- Built in Denmark
- Hosted in the EU
- No installation
- Pilot within 14 days
In short
- Several Cochrane reviews (2006, 2013, 2018) support distraction for needle pain and anxiety in children. The largest covers 59 studies and 5,550 children.
- A 2022 meta-analysis looks specifically at VR distraction during needle procedures in children and adolescents.
- A 2023 randomised clinical trial (JAMA Network Open) found immersive VR reduced pain and anxiety in children during venepuncture.
- Evidence quality varies between studies – the researchers say so honestly, and so do we.
Sources
- 2006 Uman et al. – Psychological interventions for needle-related procedural pain and distress in children and adolescents (Cochrane review, first edition)
- 2013 Uman et al. – Psychological interventions for needle-related procedural pain and distress in children and adolescents (Cochrane review, updated edition)
- 2018 Birnie et al. – Psychological interventions for needle-related procedural pain and distress in children and adolescents (Cochrane review, 59 studies, 5,550 children)
- 2022 Effects of Virtual Reality-Based Distraction of Pain, Fear, and Anxiety During Needle-Related Procedures in Children and Adolescents (Systematic review and meta-analysis, Frontiers in Psychology)
- 2023 Effects of an Immersive Virtual Reality Intervention on Pain and Anxiety Among Pediatric Patients Undergoing Venipuncture (Randomised clinical trial, JAMA Network Open)
What we do not claim
NXT/Care is not a medical device and does not replace clinical judgement or pain management. The experiences are designed around the well-documented effect of distraction.
We refer to the overall research on distraction and VR. The studies above were not carried out on NXT/Care specifically.
Frequently asked questions
Is there evidence for VR distraction in children?
Yes. Several Cochrane reviews support distraction for needle pain and anxiety, a 2022 meta-analysis examines VR specifically, and a 2023 randomised trial found reduced pain and anxiety during venepuncture with immersive VR.
Was NXT/Care itself tested in these studies?
No. The studies concern distraction and VR in general. NXT/Care is designed on the basis of that evidence.
See it in practice – in 25 minutes
Book a free demo, or leave your number and we will call you back within 2 hours on weekdays (CET). A pilot can start within 14 days.