Implementation of eXtended Reality (XR) technology for painful procedures in pediatric healthcare

Purpose and goal

Painful procedures are common in pediatric healthcare. Diversion has been shown to be important to a well-functioning pain management plan. eXtended Reality (XR) offers a fully or partially immersive experience and may lead to reduced pain and fear associated with painful procedures. Several pilot projects have been carried out with XR at Astrid Lindgren´s Children´s Hospital (ALB) with positive effect. The purpose of this project is to consolidate the projects and implement it throughout ALB.

Expected effects and result

The project´s goal is to make XR diversion available to all children at ALB aged 5 and up. There are units where pilot projects with XR technologies are already underway and the aim is to be able to implement and consolidate these projects on a broader front. The project group will also invite units that so far have no experience with XR to test the technology and offer help with adaptation. The project group will also act as a hub for XR competence at ALB.

Planned approach and implementation

The project will be implemented through four work packages – Establishment, Implementation, Facilitation and Dissemination.The XR group will establish the steering committee and a reference group and make contact with the departments that have ongoing XR projects. During the implementation phase, these XR projects will be consolidated using the Building Innovation Capacity model. The XR group will also facilitate the uptake of XR technologies in other departments by organizing XR training days.