Cuddly kittens and friendly fish: Virtual reality vanquishes vax fears – The Age

The two-minute VR films themes range from sitting on a beach to being served breakfast by friendly ghosts.

Some have a narrator saying relaxing words; others have nature sounds. Some show fish (gently) nibbling on your arm, as a visual simulation of a needle.

The view inside Smileyscopes VR headset.Credit:Eddie Jim

Ms Uren said staff at Frankston have received extraordinary feedback regarding the positive impact of the VR headset from both people being vaccinated and staff using the device to reduce anxiety associated with vaccinations. It reduces overall time needed to be vaccinated and prevents fainting.

She said the seriousness of the pandemic meant staff were seeing people who would have otherwise avoided needles. Fear caused some people to faint, which could in turn cause head injury.

Gabby Bunton, nurse manager at the Sandown vaccination hub run by Monash Health, said staff had used the VR goggles more than 50 times since May, and they are now helping about 10 people a week.

It has made their experience more comfortable and lessens their anxieties prior to the injection, she said.

Neha Bhardwaj, associate nurse unit manager at St Vincents Hospital, which runs the Royal Exhibition Building vaccination hub, said she used the VR technology about twice a shift.

The most common users were girls aged 12 to 15, who were sometimes so anxious they cried.

Loading

Christine, from Burwood, who did not want to use her surname, said she knew she needed the COVID-19 vaccine but she wasnt looking forward to it.

She often feels anxious and dizzy around needles. I normally feel panicked afterwards. I feel like I cant breathe.

Using virtual reality, she overcame her panic more swiftly. It was helpful to have something else to focus on, she said.

It felt like the procedure went really quick and it was calming.

The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here.

Read the original here:

Cuddly kittens and friendly fish: Virtual reality vanquishes vax fears - The Age