NCT07255365

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

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 100 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Berker Okay · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 36 Months – 66 Months
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

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.

Conditions

• Anxiety
• Stress, Psychological
• Fear

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	irtual 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.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-11-20
• Primary completion: 2025-12-20
• Completion: 2025-12-31
• First posted: 2025-12-01
• Last updated: 2025-12-05

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)