The management of pediatric anxiety during medical procedures remains a critical concern inmodern healthcare. Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a promising non pharmacological tool to alleviate stress and improve patient cooperation, particularly in settings such as vaccinations, blood draws, suturing, physical/occupational therapy, orthopedic procedures such as cast and pin removal, as well as diagnostic imaging. The use of VR in pediatric healthcare is rooted inimmersive distraction therapy, which reduces procedural discomfort and enhances the overallpatient experience. VR-based interventions have been explored in various medical fields, including painmanagement, rehabilitation, and cognitive therapy. In pediatric settings, research has demonstrated the potential of VR in reducing procedural anxiety, with studies showing positiveeffects on patient engagement, compliance, and parental satisfaction. However, challengesremain regarding standardization, integration into clinical workflows, and the long-term impact of

VR on pediatric care.This review aims to analyze current research on VR applications in pediatric healthcare,examining its effectiveness, limitations, and future directions. The available literature suggeststhat VR may be a scalable and effective solution for pediatric anxiety management, yet further studies are needed to establish standardized protocols and evaluate its broader implementation across healthcare systems.

1. "Virtual Reality in Pediatrics: Effects on Pain and Anxiety" This meta-analysis examines the impact of VR as a distraction tool during various medical procedures in children. The findings suggest that VR significantly decreases both pain and anxiety levels compared to standard care. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9804813/?utm_source=chatgpt.com."A Randomized Controlled Trial on the Use of Virtual Reality for Needle-Related

Procedures in Children and Adolescents in the Emergency Department" This study evaluates the feasibility and effectiveness of VR as a distraction method

during needle-related procedures. Results indicate that VR can be a practical and beneficial tool in reducing procedural pain and anxiety in pediatric patients.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11514299/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

3. "Virtual Reality: A Game Changer for Children's Medical Procedures" This article discusses the application of VR in pediatric care, highlighting its role in

reducing discomfort and improving the overall experience for young patients undergoing various medical procedures. https://kids.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frym.2024.1376603?utm_source=chatgpt.com

noting significant reductions in pain and anxiety, particularly during procedures involvingneedles.https://www.e-cep.org/journal/view.php?number=20125555692

These studies provide valuable insights into the benefits and practical applications of VR  "Use of Virtual Reality in Children in a Broad Range of Medical Settings"

This review explores the effectiveness of VR across different pediatric medical settings,noting significant reductions in pain and anxiety, particularly during procedures involving

needles.https://www.e-cep.org/journal/view.php?number=20125555692 

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