RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07255365

Virtual Reality-Based 360° Clinic Walkthrough for Reducing Examination Anxiety in Preschool Children

VIRTUAL REALITY-BASED 360° CLINIC WALKTHROUGH: EFFECTS ON EXAMINATION ANXIETY AND PHYSICIAN EXAMINATION EASE IN CHILDREN

Sponsor

Berker Okay

Enrollment

100 participants

Start Date

Nov 20, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Anxiety Stress, Psychological Fear

Summary

This prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial investigates whether a short, 360° virtual reality (VR) pre-examination walkthrough can reduce anxiety, behavioral distress, and physiological stress responses in preschool children undergoing routine outpatient physical examination. A total of 100 children aged 3-5.5 years were randomized to either a VR group, which viewed a 3-minute real-clinic 360° video via VR goggles, or a control group, which experienced routine waiting only. Primary outcome measures include the Face-Legs-Activity-Cry-Consolability (FLACC) score and crying duration during examination. Secondary outcomes include heart and respiratory rate changes, Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale (WBS) scores, parent satisfaction, and physician-rated examination ease. The study aims to determine whether immersive, procedure-specific VR preparation can improve examination experience and cooperation while reducing stress for both children and caregivers.

Eligibility

Min Age: 36 MonthsMax Age: 66 Months

Inclusion Criteria5

Children aged 3 to 5.5 years (36-66 months)
Clinically stable and presenting for routine outpatient physical examination
Able to engage with a short audiovisual VR/360° video
Written informed consent from a parent or legal guardian
Verbal assent from the child when appropriate

Exclusion Criteria9

Severe neurodevelopmental delay or communication difficulty
Autism spectrum disorder or significant behavioral dysregulation
History of epilepsy or photosensitivity
Visual or hearing impairment preventing VR use
Acute illness requiring urgent intervention
Body temperature ≥ 38.0°C at presentation
Previous exposure to VR or 360° clinic simulations
Concomitant sedative medication use
Refusal of participation by parent or child

Interventions

BEHAVIORALirtual Reality 360° Clinic Walkthrough

A brief, 3-minute 360° video recorded in the actual pediatric outpatient clinic, viewed via VR goggles before examination. The content is child-friendly, non-invasive, and designed to familiarize children with the clinical environment and examination steps to reduce anticipatory anxiety and distress.