Digital technologies in pediatric practice: using virtual reality in the treatment of pain in children

Recently, virtual reality technology has gained significant popularity in medical institutions, including pediatric departments, throughout the world. The review summarizes current data on the use of virtual reality (VR) to reduce acute and chronic pain syndrome in children of different ages. Evidence is presented that virtual reality is a promising innovative technology that offers unique opportunities for pain modulation in pediatrics. It was found that despite the potential advantages of using a virtual environment in children, there are also a number of disadvantages that can be easily solved with the help of modular additions and adaptations to the basic VR unit. This allows the technology to be more effective in various clinical situations. Highly qualified specialists from different parts of the world are working to promote this technology. The purpose — to summarize current data regarding the effectiveness of using virtual reality to reduce pain in children.