Smileyscopes

ToyBox was thrilled to be able to fund Virtual Reality (VR) Goggles for Perth Children’s Hospital (PCH). Annabelle is 7 years old and has leukaemia. She’s been receiving treatment for nearly three years and comes to PCH to have chemo and immunoglobulins to stop her from getting infections. She loves using the VR Goggles because they help keep her mind off having the port needle.

At least 60% of children hospitalised at PCH require the insertion of an intravenous cannula (IVC). Whilst one of the most common procedures performed at PCH, a recent audit found that 71% of IVC insertions attempts are unsuccessful. This can be painful and distressing, sometimes needing a child to be wrapped in a sheet or anaesthetised. Each week, multiple children endure over five attempts to successfully place an IVC. Influencing factors include children’s small and difficult to locate veins, and a child becoming significantly more distressed.

Children who experience painful and distressing IVC procedures may suffer long-term trauma and procedural anxiety, affecting their healthcare and their emotional and mental wellbeing. The Smileyscope VR Goggles are medical-grade virtual reality headsets with immersive and sensory-congruent experiences specifically designed for needle procedures, proven to reduce pain by up to 60%.

The result, a holistic solution to increase IVC insertion success rates, reducing a child’s distress as well as ensuring they can receive vital treatment through the IVC much quicker. It will also help to prevent negative long-term physical and mental health impacts associated with repeated medical trauma and will allow children to feel safe and positive about their hospital experience and increase their trust in clinicians.