Immersive Tech for Pain and Anxiety Relief in Procedural Care

This 90-minute session will explore the use of immersive virtual reality (VR) as a procedural support tool, specifically during pediatric burn dressing changes. Drawing from lived clinical experience, the presenter, a practicing CCLS will describe how immersive therapeutic VR is integrated into her high-acuity procedural workflow.

The first portion of the session will outline the clinical and developmental rationale for exploring immersive VR in a pediatric setting (30 minutes). Participants will learn how the presenter assessed various technology options and ultimately selected a system designed for clinical use, prioritizing factors such as infection control compatibility, pediatric fit, ease of cleaning, and alignment with procedural steps.

To illustrate practical application, real-world case examples will be shared (30 minutes), highlighting how VR supported coping, reduced visible distress, and improved procedural flow. These examples will include children with previous procedural trauma, neurodivergent needs, and high procedural anxiety.

Informed by the Starlight VR Distraction Therapy Report (2022), the session will emphasize that immersive tools are most effective when introduced and supported by trained child life professionals. Participants will learn how therapeutic rapport, preparation, and child-led coping were integrated into each VR-supported interaction.

A practical, hands-on portion (30 minutes) will allow participants to explore and compare different VR headset models. This includes evaluating infection control considerations, fit and comfort for pediatric use, user interface complexity, and clinical usability. The presenter will offer a guided walkthrough of set-up, pre-procedural, intra-procedural and post-procedural support strategies.

By the end of the session, attendees will have both the theoretical foundation and practical insight to assess and implement immersive VR as part of a child life procedural toolkit.

Suggested Domain: Intervention

Credits: 1.0 PDU

Please note: All webinar content and its certificate will expire on DATE, regardless of when it is purchased, accessed, or completed. At that point, contents will no longer be available in any form, including as an archive or as a PDU certificate. It is the responsibility of the learner to complete the contents and download and save the certificate for their records prior to DATE.