Allergy
Conditions
Keywords
virtual reality, skin prick test, pediatric allergy, anxiety, pain, compliance
Brief summary
Skin prick testing (SPT) is a cornerstone diagnostic procedure for identifying allergic sensitizations in pediatric patients. Despite being minimally invasive, it often provokes considerable anxiety, fear, and pain, potentially compromising test accuracy due to poor compliance. Virtual Reality (VR) has emerged as a promising non-pharmacological tool for procedural distress management, yet its application in allergy diagnostics remains underexplored. To evaluate the effectiveness of VR in reducing procedural anxiety, fear, and pain, and in improving compliance in children undergoing SPT.
Interventions
DEVICEVirtual reality
VR application via a head-mounted display one minute before and throughout the SPT procedure. The VR intervention utilized a Samsung Gear VR headset (Samsung, Seoul, South Korea) in conjunction with a Samsung S7 or S8 mobile device to provide an immersive and engaging experience. Children were allowed to choose from a range of age-appropriate VR content designed to enhance engagement and relaxation. Prior to the procedure, children were trained on how to use the headset by study staff to ensure a smooth experience.
Sponsors
Federico II University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
CROSSOVER
Primary purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
4 Years to 18 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* a confirmed history of allergic symptoms related to either environmental or food allergens * between 4 and 18 years of age
Exclusion criteria
* history of seizure disorders, * motion sickness, * severe developmental delay, * non-Italian-speaking patients * Participants who had used systemic antihistamines or corticosteroids within the past seven days
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| change of procedural anxiety in pediatric patients undergoing skin prick test | during the procedure | The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of VR in reducing procedural anxiety in pediatric patients undergoing SPT. Anxiety levels were assessed using the CAM scale before (0), during (1), post procedure, i.e., one minute after the procedure (2). |
Countries
Italy
Outcome results
None listed