Virtual Reality for Hospitalized Children

(WOW Trial)

Overseen By Astrid Suen, MMedSc

Age: < 18

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Stanford University

Disqualifiers: Neurological condition, Developmental disability, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

100 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how virtual reality (VR) can enhance the emotional well-being of hospitalized children by offering virtual field trips. The goal is to reduce feelings of isolation and increase engagement with learning during their hospital stay. English-speaking children aged 5 to 17, who are expected to remain in the hospital for more than a day, may be suitable participants. The trial uses VR headsets to take children on virtual adventures to Wonders of the World, aiming to boost their joy and interest in learning. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity for children to improve their hospital experience through innovative technology.

Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that this virtual reality intervention is safe for hospitalized children?

Research has shown that virtual reality (VR) is generally safe for children when used properly. Studies indicate that with the right equipment and software, side effects are rare and typically resolve on their own. These studies focus on short usage times and ensure children receive supervision while using VR, making it a low-risk option for activities like virtual field trips.

In summary, VR is well-tolerated by children and can safely introduce excitement and learning into a hospital setting. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about using virtual reality for hospitalized children because it offers a unique, immersive experience that can transform the hospital environment into a world of exciting virtual field trips. Unlike traditional therapies such as medication or talk therapy, this approach uses an Oculus Quest 3 headset to transport children to places like virtual museums or exotic locations, sparking joy and curiosity. This novel method has the potential to reduce stress and anxiety, making hospital stays more enjoyable and engaging for young patients.

What evidence suggests that virtual reality is effective for improving emotional well-being in hospitalized children?

Research has shown that virtual reality (VR) can improve the emotional well-being of children in hospitals. For example, studies have found that VR experiences can significantly reduce pain and anxiety, common issues for kids in these settings. VR creates fun and engaging experiences that distract from discomfort. Another study found that VR can increase feelings of hope and positivity, crucial for kids who feel isolated from the outside world. Overall, VR shows promise in making hospital stays more enjoyable and emotionally supportive for young patients. Participants in this trial will receive the VR intervention, using an Oculus Quest 3 headset to engage in virtual field trips designed to reignite the joy and awe of learning. ^{2 6 7 8 9}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

The WOW Project is for hospitalized children aged 5 to 17 who speak English and are expected to stay in the hospital for more than one day. It aims to help them feel better emotionally while they're healing physically.

Inclusion Criteria

I am between 5 and 17 years old.

I speak English.

I expect to stay in the hospital for more than one day.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Intervention

Participants receive the VR intervention using Oculus Quest 3 headset to participate in virtual field trips designed to reignite the joy and awe of learning.

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Assessment

Participants' awe and learning outcomes are assessed immediately after the intervention using standardized emotional scales and knowledge tests.

Immediately after intervention

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in well-being and learning engagement after the intervention.

1-2 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Virtual Reality

Trial Overview This trial uses virtual reality (VR) technology to virtually transport hospitalized kids to the Wonders of the World, aiming to improve their emotional well-being through immersive learning experiences combined with hands-on activities.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Virtual Reality Group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will all receive the VR intervention and will be instructed to wear an Oculus Quest 3 headset (Meta, Inc., Menlo Park, CA) and participate in virtual field trips from Engage (David Whelan). Brink Traveler (Akin Bilgic) and Wander (John Entwistle) that are specifically designed to reignite the joy and awe of learning.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Stanford University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

2,527

Recruited

17,430,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11262837/

Bringing Virtual Reality to Mainstream Pediatric Care - PMC More broadly, Matthie et al conducted a systematic review, revealing that VR and other related technologies improved pain-related outcomes ...

2. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0882596324004202

Virtual reality education for preventing safety incidents in ... This study aimed to develop and analyze a virtual reality (VR)-based safety incident prevention program for hospitalized children.

3. childrenscolorado.org childrenscolorado.org/advances-answers/recent-articles/virtual-reality/

Virtual Reality and Gaming Technology in Patient Care Virtual reality is so effective in pediatric patients partly because of a phenomenon within the body called supersensory proprioception. The ...

4. i-jmr.org i-jmr.org/2025/1/e65311

The Effects of Virtual Reality on Hope and Travel ... The aim of this study was to evaluate the pleasurable experience of VR and its impact on healthy and hospitalized children's travel expectations and hope.

5. jmir.org jmir.org/2021/6/e24967/

Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Interventions for Adolescent ... Three out of 4 RCTs found significant reductions in pain or anxiety outcomes measures when using virtual reality compared to standard care or ...

6. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38466416/

Safety of virtual reality use in children: a systematic review There is limited evidence regarding any potential harms from short exposure to VR in children under 14 years under supervision.

7. journals.lww.com journals.lww.com/pqs/fulltext/2020/03000/retrospective_review_of_the_safety_and_efficacy_of.24.aspx

Retrospective Review of the Safety and Efficacy of Virtual... VR is safe in pediatric patients with appropriate hardware, software, and patient selection. Side effects were rare and self-limited.

8. nationwidechildrens.org nationwidechildrens.org/research/clinical-research/behavioral-health-clinical-research/vr-games-and-brain-activity

Virtual Reality Games and Brain Activity Study Help researchers learn more about how the brain responds to pain and whether playing iPad and VR games change this activity.

9. tandfonline.com tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10494820.2025.2542898

The efficacy and safety of immersive virtual reality in ... The findings reveal a significant focus on pedestrian safety, while fire, water, earthquake, and violence prevention training received limited attention. The ...