Exploring the Influence of Virtual Reality on Psychological Variables Within Paediatric Oncology Treatment: A Systematic Review.
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INTRODUCTION: Virtual reality (VR) is a burgeoning technology with applications across healthcare. It remains unclear what the effect of VR on psychological factors within paediatric oncology is. METHOD: A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. 436 records were screened against the inclusion and exclusion criteria, with adult focused studies, those with an unclear definition of VR, and non-oncology-based studies excluded. Once final studies were identified, an effect direction plot and narrative review was completed. RESULTS: Seventeen records met criteria. Ten studies were RCTs, the remaining studies (n = 7) were various designs. Psychological factors included impact on anxiety, distress, depression, and positive psychological variables. CONCLUSIONS: Some studies indicated some positive effects on psychological variables whilst other results from the studies were mixed, with non-significant findings. It is difficult to reach firm conclusions regarding the effect of VR, given the poor quality of studies, risk of bias, and the unresolved issue of how the quality of VR platform may influence outcomes.