Smileyscope virtual reality goggles arrive at Hawkesbury District Health Service

12 Nov 2018

13 November 2018 

Smileyscope is an innovative virtual reality experience that provides an engaging form of distraction therapy for children.

The child wears a goggle headset that plays an interactive game on the screen.

Hawkesbury District Health Services Divisional Nurse Manager Perioperative Services Sonia Jones says Smileyscope creates a much more positive hospital experience for paediatric patients.

"We have noticed a reduction in stress and anxiety associated with what can otherwise be unpleasant procedures” Sonia said.  

"For some children, medical procedures can cause distress and a feeling of anxiety."

In an effort to improve paediatric experience and safety for patients and caregivers, Smileyscope goggles were first trialed at St John of God Midland Public Hospital to determine if they were effective at distracting children and reducing their anxiety when undergoing minor procedures (such as blood tests and stitches).

The success of this trial led to a decision to roll out Smileyscope goggles to all St John of God Health Care medical and surgical hospitals including Hawkesbury District Health Service.

 The virtual reality goggles take children on an underwater adventure while they undergo short procedures such as IV cannulation, dressing change and suturing of wounds.

As the child moves their head, they are able to interact with the virtual world. They are prompted to breathe deeply as they explore the underwater world and notice fish tickling their arm at the same time a short procedure is performed.

This experience engages both their auditory and visual senses, to distract them from their procedure.

Parents also say that their anxiety levels are reduced as their child is not distressed.