The effect of virtual reality on skin prick test-related pain and fear in children: a randomized controlled trial.

Skin prick tests are a common method for diagnosing allergies in pediatric allergy clinics. Unfortunately, these tests can be distressing for children, causing pain and fear that can make them challenging to conduct. Virtual reality (VR) can be used to distract children during medical procedures. This study examines the effect of VR on skin prick test-related pain and fear in children. This parallel-group, single-blind, prospective, randomized controlled trial enrolled 233 children evaluated at the Pediatric Allergy Clinic and scheduled to undergo skin prick testing between March and June 2024. Among these children, 75 children aged 4-10 years who met the inclusion criteria were divided into two groups as VR group (n = 25) and control group (n = 25) by block randomization using gender and age group variables. The VR group wore VR goggles during the skin prick test, while the control group underwent the standard procedure. Pain and fear levels were assessed using the Wong-Baker FACES® Pain Scale and the Child Fear Scale. Children in the VR group exhibited a significant reduction in pain and fear levels associated with the skin prick test experience compared to the control group, as evaluated by children, parents, and researchers (p < 0.05). No side effects related to VR were reported.

conclusionVirtual reality can be an effective tool in pediatric allergy clinics to reduce pain and fear during skin prick testing. By enhancing the child's comfort, VR may also improve adherence to allergy follow-up and treatment, ultimately contributing to better clinical outcomes. WHAT IS KNOWN: • Children often experience significant pain and fear during invasive procedures such as skin prick tests, and distraction methods have been shown to reduce pain and anxiety. WHAT IS NEW: • This study is the first randomized controlled trial to demonstrate that virtual reality (VR) significantly reduces pain and fear during skin prick tests in children. • This study supports the integration of new technologies such as VR as a standard practice for managing pain and fear during skin prick tests in pediatric allergy clinics.

trial registrationThe clinical trial registration number is NCT06421779. Study start date: March 22, 2024. Study completion date: July 22, 2024. ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06421779 ).