Riassunto dello studio

Two hundred fifty-five children aged 5 to 17 years undergoing plaster removal or replacement for a limb fracture were randomized to receive distraction with VR goggles and headphones (n=130) or standard care (n=125). The primary outcome was post-procedural anxiety, measured with the Child Fear Scale (CFS). Secondary outcomes included anxiety reduction (difference in CFS scores before and after the procedure), numerical rating scale (NRS) pain scores, NRS satisfaction scores of children and parents, and heart rate measurements. Outcomes were assessed immediately post-procedure. Overall, the results revealed that post-procedural anxiety was significantly lower in the VR group. However, VR did not significantly affect anxiety reduction, pain perception, satisfaction scores, or heart rate. The findings suggest that VR can effectively reduce procedural anxiety in children undergoing plaster treatment, particularly among younger children and females.