Pajouhan Scientific Journal, Winter, In Press
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1- Hamadan University of Medical Sciences
2- Hamadan University of Medical Sciences ,mohammadifateme47@yahoo.com
2- Hamadan University of Medical Sciences ,
Abstract: (43 Views)
Background and Objective: Pain and anxiety are among the most common symptoms of chemotherapy. These symptoms affect children's quality of life and treatment cooperation. Pharmacological methods and non-pharmacological interventions can be effective in managing pain and anxiety in these patients, especially children. In the meantime, virtual reality, as an innovative non-pharmacological tool, distracts children from pain and anxiety by creating interactive environments. This systematic review examines the effectiveness of combining virtual reality with other therapeutic methods for managing pain and anxiety in children with cancer during chemotherapy.
Materials and Methods: In this systematic review study, all observational studies published between 2015 and 2025 in Persian and English databases were searched using keywords such as "virtual reality," "pediatric cancer," "chemotherapy," "virtual reality", "children," "pain," and "anxiety." After removing duplicates and irrelevant items, the quality of the studies was assessed using the JADAD guidelines, Bias of Risk scale, and the CONSORT checklist (2010).
Results: A total of 933 articles were identified, and after removing 783 duplicate articles, the titles and abstracts of 150 articles were reviewed. 101 articles were excluded due to irrelevance. Of these, 49 articles reached the full-text review stage, of which 15 articles were excluded due to being reviews, 15 articles due to lack of full access, and 12 articles due to insufficient reporting. Finally, 7 articles were included in the study.
Conclusion: The integration of virtual reality with other therapeutic methods is an effective and safe approach for reducing pain and anxiety in children with cancer during chemotherapy. This method not only enhances the effectiveness of individual interventions but also provides a low-risk alternative to pharmacological treatments. However, heterogeneity in study designs and interventions highlights the need for further research to standardize combined protocols. Clinicians can utilize this approach as part of multifaceted strategies to improve patient outcomes.
Materials and Methods: In this systematic review study, all observational studies published between 2015 and 2025 in Persian and English databases were searched using keywords such as "virtual reality," "pediatric cancer," "chemotherapy," "virtual reality", "children," "pain," and "anxiety." After removing duplicates and irrelevant items, the quality of the studies was assessed using the JADAD guidelines, Bias of Risk scale, and the CONSORT checklist (2010).
Results: A total of 933 articles were identified, and after removing 783 duplicate articles, the titles and abstracts of 150 articles were reviewed. 101 articles were excluded due to irrelevance. Of these, 49 articles reached the full-text review stage, of which 15 articles were excluded due to being reviews, 15 articles due to lack of full access, and 12 articles due to insufficient reporting. Finally, 7 articles were included in the study.
Conclusion: The integration of virtual reality with other therapeutic methods is an effective and safe approach for reducing pain and anxiety in children with cancer during chemotherapy. This method not only enhances the effectiveness of individual interventions but also provides a low-risk alternative to pharmacological treatments. However, heterogeneity in study designs and interventions highlights the need for further research to standardize combined protocols. Clinicians can utilize this approach as part of multifaceted strategies to improve patient outcomes.
Type of Study: Systematic Review Article |
Subject:
Nursing
Received: 2025/10/12 | Accepted: 2025/12/22
Received: 2025/10/12 | Accepted: 2025/12/22
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