VR Usage in Non-Invasive Surgical Sub-Specialty Procedures

Anxiety among children undergoing non-invasive surgical subspecialty procedures is common. Not only is high anxiety traumatic, but research in a surgical setting indicates that high anxiety in children before surgery leads to adverse outcomes such as increased pain and analgesics requirements, delayed hospital discharge and maladaptive behavioral changes. Treating anxiety may decrease any of these undesirable behaviors that may arise when experiencing a non-invasive surgical subspecialty procedure in a clinical setting. In this study, investigators hope to determine if technology based distractions (VR headsets with headphones, AR headset, or BERT projector) are more effective than standard care for preventing high anxiety before non-invasive surgical subspecialty procedures. As a secondary objective of the study, the investigators seek to determine if the use of technology based distraction will result in higher parent and patient satisfaction as well as evaluate which techniques are most effective. As a tertiary aim, the investigators seek to understand if passive or active interventions are more effective in decreasing anxiety.