VR Mindfulness for Pediatric Surgical Anxiety

This trial explores a new virtual reality (VR) mindfulness tool, called Operation Calm EEMCF-VR, designed to reduce anxiety in children and teens before surgery. Participants will use a VR headset to immerse themselves in a calming nature environment with guided breathing and relaxation exercises. The goal is to determine if this approach is practical, user-friendly, and effective in easing anxiety. Children and teens in Canada, aged 6 to 17, who speak English or French and have a smartphone compatible with the VR headset, may be suitable candidates. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance pre-surgery experiences for young patients.

Research has shown that virtual reality (VR) treatments like Operation Calm are generally safe for children and teenagers. Studies have found that VR effectively reduces anxiety without causing major side effects. For example, a review noted that VR lowers anxiety more effectively than other non-drug methods, with few to no negative effects. Another study found that children using VR to prepare for surgery felt less anxious and experienced only mild VR sickness, such as dizziness or nausea. Overall, VR treatments in medical settings for kids are well-received, making them a promising option for managing anxiety.¹²³⁴⁵

Researchers are excited about Operation Calm EEMCF-VR because it offers a unique, immersive approach to managing surgical anxiety in children and teens. Unlike traditional methods like counseling or medication, this treatment uses a smartphone-compatible virtual reality headset to create a calming 360° nature environment combined with guided mindfulness exercises. This innovative delivery method helps children engage in paced breathing, sensory awareness, and grounding techniques, potentially making it a more appealing and interactive option for young patients. By providing an engaging and tech-forward solution, Operation Calm aims to reduce anxiety without the side effects associated with medication.

Research has shown that virtual reality (VR) can help reduce anxiety in children and teens before surgery. In one study, children's anxiety levels dropped significantly after using VR, from an average score of 151.33 to 41.72. Another study found that VR also lowers anxiety in both children and their parents during surgery. In this trial, participants will use the "Operation Calm" VR intervention, which combines an immersive 360° nature environment with guided mindfulness exercises. These results suggest that the immersive experience of VR, along with mindfulness exercises, could effectively manage anxiety in young patients facing surgery.⁶⁷⁸⁹¹⁰