Objective: To explore the effect of acupoint application combined with virtual reality (VR) technology in relieving pain after circumcision in children.
Methods: Using a random number table, we divided 106 children undergoing circumcision into a control and an intervention group of an equal number, the former receiving routine nursing care, and the latter acupoint application combined with VR technology. We compared between the two groups the postoperative pain scores with the Changhai pain ruler, the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) scores, and the satisfaction of the patients and their families.
Results: Compared with the controls, the patients in the intervention group showed a significantly lower HAMA score (［2.94 ± 0.98］ vs ［1.06 ± 0.92］, P < 0.05) and postoperative pain score (［5.96 ± 1.24］ vs ［3.66 ± 1.18］, P < 0.05), but higher satisfaction in the patients and their families (86.79% vs 98.11%, P < 0.05).
Conclusions: Acupoint application combined with VR technology for children after circumcision has the advantages of effectively relieving the anxiety of the patients, distracting their attention, increasing the pain perception threshold, reducing the perception of pain, improving the satisfaction of the patients and their family members.
Keywords: child; circumcision; pain nursing; virtual reality; acupoint application.