The Impact of Virtual Reality on Mood States Prior to Blood Donation

Volume 2 - Issue 5

Jeff Tarrant¹*, John S Abrams² and Rachel Jackson³

Received: September 03, 2019;   Published: September 17, 2019

DOI: 10.32474/SJPBS.2019.02.000150

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Abstract

Virtual Reality (VR) has shown promise as a non-pharmaceutical intervention for both anxiety and pain management. Consequently, specially designed VR experiences may be a useful tool to counteract anxiety during procedures that require a blood draw. In the current study we examined negative and positive mood states before and after a brief VR intervention at a Red Cross blood drive. Results demonstrated a significant increase in positive mood states (Happiness, Calmness) and a reduction of negative mood states (Tension, Fatigue). These results support the accumulating evidence that VR has the potential to act as a powerful and effective tool for anxiety and stress management in anxiety provoking situations.

Keywords: VR; Virtual reality; Healium; Blood donation; Anxiety; Stress; Needle Fear; Needle phobia

Abstract| Introduction| Materials and Methods| Procedure| Results| Discussion| References|