Can virtual reality help reduce pain during dressing changes for a burn injury?
Virtual reality (VR) is a non-pharmacological treatment used to manage pain by immersing a patient in a 3D environment with sound and music. This method acts as a distraction technique to divert the patient's attention away from the discomfort of medical procedures.
What the research says
Research indicates that virtual reality can be effective in reducing pain during burn dressing changes. In a randomized controlled trial, patients who used VR headsets to view nature images experienced significantly less pain compared to those who received standard care or only auditory distractions like music 4. Both VR and auditory distraction were found to be equally effective and superior to standard care when used in combination with morphine 4.
A systematic review of several studies found that VR, when used alongside pain medications, significantly reduced the pain patients felt during dressing changes and other treatments like physiotherapy 6. While VR was shown to be effective for pain, the evidence regarding its ability to reduce anxiety during these procedures was less clear 6.
VR is also being studied as a way to manage pain and anxiety for children during the transition from hospital care to at-home dressing changes 7. Because burn injuries can cause significant discomfort during wound care, VR is considered a promising tool to improve the patient experience 5.
What to ask your doctor
- Can virtual reality be used as a non-drug distraction method to help manage pain during my dressing changes?
- Is there evidence that VR can help reduce my anxiety during wound care?
- How does virtual reality compare to other distraction methods, such as listening to music?
- Are there specific VR programs or apps you recommend for burn care?
This question is drawn from common patient questions about Orthopedics & Sports Medicine and answered using cited medical research. We do not provide individualized advice.