Impact of Pre-Sedation Virtual Reality Game on Post-Discharge Negative Behaviors in the Pediatric Emergency Department

This randomized control trial will investigate the use of a virtual reality (VR) distraction game prior to IV ketamine procedural sedation for long bone fracture reduction. Prior studies have demonstrated that children undergoing anesthesia or procedural sedation can have lingering negative behavioral changes lasting several weeks after discharge home. Children who are anxious have higher rates of developing negative behavior changes. Opiate pain control and pre-operative instructional workshops have demonstrated efficacy in decreasing negative behavior outcomes. There is some evidence that distraction techniques, such as VR, can alleviate pre-procedural anxiety and pain during procedures. To our knowledge, evaluating the use of a non-pharmacologic, virtual reality intervention and its effects on reducing post-discharge negative behavior changes following discharge from the Emergency Department has not been evaluated.