Tuam patient one of the first to use new VR headset in hospital

Helping to reduce anxiety

A YOUNG Tuam patient at University Hospital Galway (UHG) was one of the first to benefit from a new virtual reality (VR) headset that is helping young children through their healthcare journey.

Smileyscopes uses immersive VR to guide children through calm and engaging visual journeys that are timed with medical procedures. Among those taking advantage of the technology was Tuam’s Éabha Sharkey, who was impressed by their comfort and relaxing nature.

“The pictures and videos it showed were colourful and fun. I could see different smiley faces and fish close up. It made me feel like I was inside a video game,” she explained.

“The Smilescope headset really helped me and made me feel relaxed when I had my blood taken. It distracted me from the needle and the whole idea of getting my bloods taken, which made it easy to stay calm.”

The Paediatric Unit at UHG is benefitting from four Smileyscopes, which were generously funded thanks to support from the Galway Sick Kids Foundation.

One of the most requested VR experiences by patients is the underwater adventure, which features waves washing over the injection site and a fish nibbling on the child’s arm during the injection.

While the headsets are reducing needle pain and anxiety amongst patients, they are also supporting staff efficiency by reducing the time and resources needed to calm distressed patients.

“Since introducing the use of virtual reality into Paediatrics, it has opened up new ways to support and connect with children in our care,” said Michelle Dillon, Clinical Nurse Manager for Paediatric Neurodisability in UHG.

“For children with additional needs, it has been a powerful tool for distraction and comfort, transforming stressful moments into calm, positive experiences. It is changing the way children experience hospital visits and the way we deliver care,” she concluded.