Virtual And Augmented Reality To Support The Emotional Wellbeing Of Hospitalised Children

Abstract

Recent research highlights the potential of immersive virtual reality (VR) in improving the psychological adaptation to hospitalization and the quality of life for pediatric patients (Tennant et al., 2021; Comparcini et al., 2023). Hospitalization often causes fear and agitation in children, affecting their well‐being and that of their families. Addressing this through early familiarization with the hospital, creating a playful care setting, and fostering trust with medical staff is crucial. A project in the Pediatric Oncohaematology department aims to enhance the well‐being of patients aged 3 to 10 years using VR and Augmented Reality (AR) applications inspired by “The Little Prince”. This includes early VR exploration of the hospital, collaborative VR for educational activities and games with peers and medical staff, VR for pain therapy with pleasant scenarios, and AR with 3D characters from “The Little Prince”. The protocol involves a pedagogical investigation using an adapted version of Kellner's Symptom Questionnaire (1982; 1987) to assess anxiety, hostility, relaxation, and sociability. The project also examines patients’ skills, technology usage habits, and preferences to personalize the ex‐perience. Preliminary results from a qualitative‐quantitative study with a control group of non‐hospitalized children highlight similarities, differences, and the educational potential of these technologies in hospital settings. This research aims to improve the hospital experience for pediatric patients through innovative technological interventions.