Publication Date
Spring 2026
Degree Type
Doctoral Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Department
Nursing
First Advisor
Lisa Walker-Vischer
Keywords
Interventional radiology, pediatric, pain, anxiety, virtual reality, patient experience
Abstract
Procedural anxiety and pain are common among pediatric patients undergoing awake interventional radiology (IR) procedures and may negatively affect patient comfort, cooperation, and overall patient experience. Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a promising nonpharmacologic intervention to reduce anxiety and improve patient-centered outcomes. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to evaluate patient-reported experiences and perceived outcomes associated with VR use during awake pediatric IR procedures at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. A qualitative descriptive quality improvement design was utilized. Twenty pediatric patients ages 10–21 years undergoing awake IR procedures with VR as part of standard clinical care completed structured post-procedure questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify themes related to patient experience, anxiety reduction, procedural tolerance, and barriers to VR implementation. Most participants reported decreased anxiety, improved procedural tolerance, and enhanced overall patient experience with VR use. Approximately 85% of participants reported anxiety reduction, 80% described effective cognitive distraction, and 90% endorsed an improved procedural experience. Major themes included positive patient satisfaction, effective distraction, cognitive engagement, sensory immersion, and technical issues affecting the experience. Findings suggest that VR is a feasible, scalable, and patient-centered adjunct for awake pediatric IR procedures. Integration of VR into procedural workflows may improve patient comfort, reduce procedural anxiety, and enhance patient experience while potentially decreasing reliance on pharmacologic anxiolysis and sedation.
Recommended Citation
Dao-Payne, Quynh, "A Quality Improvement Initiative Evaluating Factors Influencing Patient Experience with Virtual Reality During Awake Interventional Radiology Procedures" (2026). Doctoral Projects. 209.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.31979/etd.fc94-w2gt
https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/etd_doctoral/209
