Li, W.H., Chung, J.O., & Ho, E.K. (2011). The effectiveness of therapeutic play, using virtual reality computer games, in promoting the psychological well-being of children hospitalised with cancer. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 20, 2135–2143.
To examine the effectiveness of play, consisting of virtual reality computer games, in reducing anxiety and symptoms of depression in children hospitalized for cancer treatment
Children hospitalized for cancer treatment were invited to participate in the study. Patients received 30 minutes of a play intervention, consisting of virtual reality gaming, five days per week. Play was in a small-group setting that included no more than four patients. A historical comparison group was used in the study. Study measures were obtained at hospital admission and at day 7.
Prospective, single-blind trial with historical control comparison
ANOVA showed a main effect for time, suggesting significantly lower anxiety and depression symptoms in the group that participated in the play intervention. There were no significant differences in baseline scores between groups. In both groups, anxiety scores declined between baseline and day 7.
Play involving virtual reality may reduce symptoms of depression in children hospitalized for cancer treatment.
Findings suggest that use of virtual reality play may help pediatric inpatients being treated for cancer. Further well-designed research in this area is warranted. It is unclear if virtual reality is more effective than other means of distraction.