Virtual Reality for Alleviation of Peripheral IV Placement-Associated Discomfort

This is a prospective study of the effect of immersive virtual reality on the perception of pain during peripheral IV (PIV) placement. Adult patients who require PIV placement for elective surgery will be consented for intervention while in the peri-operative suites (PS). The VR intervention will consist of a headset and immersive VR software that allows the patient to engage in a virtual world during PIV placement. Subjects will be queried immediately after PIV placement using the validated graphic rating scale regarding the sensory, cognitive, and affective aspects of discomfort they experienced with PIV placement (Appendix A). They will also be asked two validated questions concerning patient satisfaction (Dexter et al 1997). A control group of patients will undergo a similar assessment with slightly different wording after receiving PIV placement without iVR.