The challenge: Overcoming children’s fear and anxiety about needles
Public University of Navarre (UPNA)
A leading public institution of higher education and research in Navarre, dedicated to social and health innovation through its Department of Health Sciences.
Marta Ferraz
Researcher and Doctor of Health Sciences
Evidence shows that the use of virtual reality and augmented reality in paediatric patients reduces anxiety and stress levels.
The solution: Immersive distraction through virtual reality
We created a virtual reality application for Oculus Go devices that immerses children in a mini-game environment. By immersing themselves in solving puzzles and interacting with animals in a 360° environment, children’s brains prioritise visual and playful stimuli over the sensation of pain, drastically reducing the pain signal that reaches the central nervous system.
The solution integrates infrared vein visualisation technology, providing healthcare professionals with quick and accurate vascular access. Using autonomous, wireless hardware, the tool is easy to implement in any hospital setting, from emergency rooms to inpatient wards. This solution transforms what was once a traumatic process into a brief, efficient and, above all, playful experience for the child.
Patients treated with VR who showed no pain or minimal pain during the puncture
Probability of positive and proactive behaviour on the part of accompanying parents
Decrease in the time required to complete venipuncture
- Interactive virtual environments with puzzle and animal mini-games
- Standalone, portable hardware without annoying cables
- Integration with infrared vein display protocols
- Intuitive interface designed specifically for use by healthcare professionals
Key findings
The implementation of this project has marked a turning point in the humanisation of hospital care at the Navarra Hospital Complex. Derived scientific studies (published in journals such as International Emergency Nursing) confirm that immersive distraction not only reduces children’s self-reported pain, but also significantly improves the response of parents, who perceive a much safer and more advanced care environment.
Thanks to the combination of virtual reality and visualisation technology, hospital resources have been truly optimised. By reducing failed puncture attempts, expenditure on consumables is reduced and nursing time is freed up, improving the flow of hospital services. This validated protocol not only reduces pain and stress, but also lays the foundations for more humane and efficient paediatric care, which is already being sought for implementation at the national level.
