Virtual Reality as a Nonpharmacological Tool for Reducing Pain, Fear and Distress During Venipuncture in Children: A Quasi‐Experimental Study

Background Venipuncture can induce significant pain, fear and distress in children, leading to poor compliance and healthcare avoidance. Virtual reality (VR) is an innovative technique that can distract children’s attention away from the source of discomfort, making it a promising nonpharmacological intervention. Purpose To evaluate the effectiveness of using a VR‐based intervention on pain, fear and distress levels among children during venipuncture. Methods A quasi‐experimental design was employed in the paediatric outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital in Bahrain. A sample of 69 children aged 6–12 years were allocated by time block (08:00–11:00 VR available) to VR vs. routine care. Pain, fear and distress levels were assessed before and after the venipuncture. Results During the venipuncture, the intervention group reported significantly lower pain levels compared with the control group, with mean scores of 4.33 ± 1.59 and 7.22 ± 2.13, respectively ( Z = −4.89, p < 0.001). Similarly, the intervention group showed a significant decrease in medical fear levels from before (50.85 ± 6.34) to after (37.30 ± 4.70) the venipuncture ( Z = −5.017, p < 0.001).Furthermore, the intervention group experienced a significant reduction in distress levels from before (3.45 ± 1.35) to after (1.79 ± 0.86) the venipuncture ( Z = −4.06, p < 0.001). Conclusions The findings suggest that VR‐based distraction is an effective and engaging nonpharmacological approach to managing pain, fear and distress in children during venipuncture, potentially enhancing the overall quality of care and the healthcare experience.