The effects of virtual reality glasses and external cold and vibration on procedural pain and anxiety in children during venous phlebotomy: randomized controlled trial

Needle-related procedures are among the most feared and painful experiences reported by children and their parent. For this reason, use of effective methods of pain relief is very important during phlebotomy procedures in children. The aim of this study is to research two different distraction methods (external cold and vibration-Buzzy + virtual reality) on relief of procedural pain and anxiety in children during phlebotomy. This study is a prospective, randomized and controlled trial. Sample of the study consisted of a total of 119 children who met the sample selection criteria. Children aged 7 to 12 years who required phlebotomy were divided into three groups: buzzy ( n = 40), virtual reality ( n = 40), and control ( n = 39). Data were collected using the information form, Wong–Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale, and Children’s Fear Scale. In the study, 119 children [girls n = 59 (49.6%), boys n = 60 (50.4%)] were included. The children’s pain levels were assessed and reported by the parents and observers and the children themselves who self-reported using Wong–Baker FACES. The children’s anxiety levels were also assessed using the Children’s Fear Scale. A significant difference was found between the groups in terms of the parent-reported and observer-reported assessments ( p < 0.05). In the self-reported assessment, the pain levels of the VR and Buzzy group were lower than the control group, but were not statistically significant ( p > 0.05). According to the parent-reported and observer-reported assessments, a significant difference was found between procedural anxiety levels. VR is more effective than external cold and vibration-Buzzy in reducing pain during phlebotomy and should be preferred as the first choice.