Impact of Virtual Reality Technology on Pediatric Patients During Venous Access in the Emergency Department: A Meta-Analysis
Abstract
Objective: To systematically evaluate the impact of virtual reality (VR) technology on pediatric patients during venous access in the emergency departments (EDs).
Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of VR technology on pediatric patients during venous access in the EDs were retrieved from databases including CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, CBM, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science, with the search period spanning from inception to July 2025. Data analysis was performed using RevMan 5.2 software.
Results: A total of 8 RCTs involving 629 pediatric patients in the EDs were included. The analysis revealed that the VR technology group showed significantly better outcomes in pain scores compared with the control group (SMD=-0.73, 95% CI=-1.42 to -0.04, P =0.04). However, no significant differences were observed between the 2 groups in fear scores ( SMD =-0.94, 95% CI=-2.13 to 0.26, P =0.12) or first-attempt success rate (OR=1.01, 95% CI=0.60-1.72, P =0.96).
Conclusion: VR technology may help alleviate pain in pediatric patients during venous access in the EDs, but no significant improvements were found in reducing fear or increasing the first-attempt success rate.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 629 participants or records.
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