VIRTUAL REALITY AS COMPLEMENTARY TREATMENT IN PAIN RELIEF IN BURNT CHILDREN

REALIDAD VIRTUAL COMO TRATAMIENTO COMPLEMENTARIO EN ALIVIO DEL DOLOR EN NIÑOS QUEMADOS

ABSTRACT

Objective:

to report the use of virtual reality and its effects on clinical parameters, pain and its consequences in the treatment of two burned children in a Burn Treatment Center in southern Brazil.

Method:

case report on the use of virtual reality in two burned children treated at a reference burn treatment center in southern Brazil. Data were collected from January to February 2017, using the variables: pain, distraction, clinical parameters (heart rate and oxygen saturation) and analgesic medications. The measurements were carried out in five occasions and the intervention was applied for three days. The reports and reactions of children, guardians and the nursing team were also registered.

Results:

the use of virtual reality during dressings reduced the pain between two to four points on the scale used; oxygen saturation remained between 96 and 98%; heart rate decreased after the intervention. The children reported having fun, less time thinking about pain and were more collaborative during the procedure.

Conclusion:

this technology is innovative in the treatment of burned children and proved to be effective for the analyzed variables. New clinical studies with a larger sample are needed in the Brazilian context to contribute to these findings.

DESCRIPTORS:
Virtual reality exposure therapy; Burns; Pediatrics; Pain; Implosive therapy