For parents who dread taking their children for a flu shot because they fear getting shots, help may be on the way.
A recent pilot study done by Sansum Clinic doctors showed that patients who viewed ocean scenes through virtual reality (VR) goggles felt less stress than those who received their shots without the high-tech glasses.
The pilot study conducted in September and November of 2016 at Sansum Clinic locations in Santa Barbara and Lompoc, CA compared children who used VR goggles during vaccination to those who received their vaccine in the traditional fashion. Out of 244 children, 112 used Turbot 3D virtual reality goggles when receiving their seasonal flu shot. Those using the VR goggles reported 48 percent less pain than those without them. Surveyed parents whose children used the VR goggles during the vaccinations noted their sons or daughters experienced 48 percent less pain and 52 percent less fear. Sansum Clinic staff reported that children who used the VR goggles had 75 percent less pain, and exhibited 71 percent less fear.
“We were fairly impressed with the numbers. They definitely show that the VR goggles facilitated the vaccination process for kids, parents and staff,” says Dr. Mark Silverberg, Sansum Clinic pediatric ophthalmologist.
Parents, children and staff report less pain and fear when children use virtual reality headsets during vaccinations, according to a study conducted by Sansum Clinic’s Dr. Mark Silverberg (Credit: PR Newswire)
The genesis of the practice enhancement project occurred when Dr. Silverberg noticed frequent apprehension in young patients who connected visiting any medical office with painful shots. All too often he would be asked by a crying toddler, “Am I getting a shot today?” He discussed the problem with his 15-year-old daughter, Zoe who suggested the use of virtual reality goggles as a possible solution. The father-daughter team brought their idea to Dr. John LaPuma, a board certified internist and proponent of exercising in nature for stress reduction.
The three endeavored the pilot project together.
A study recently published by the American Academy of Pediatrics examined the reasons for vaccine delays and found that 3/4 of surveyed doctors said parents postponed shots over concerns about discomfort.
The consequences of putting off shots are serious, according to Dr. Silverberg. “It’s a shame to think of kids going unvaccinated simply because of the stress. We were looking for a simple, inexpensive remedy,” he explains. The physician and father of three, who has been recognized repeatedly by Castle Connelly as one of America’s Top Doctors, will present the results of the pilot project at the World Summit of Pediatrics in Rome in June of 2017.
