Virtual Reality Vs. Helfer Skin Tap: Which One is Helping Children Cope with Fear, Anxiety, and Pain During Vaccination?
Trial Snapshot
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Not yet recruiting
- Sponsor
- Enrollment
- 138
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
Study Overview
Brief Summary
The aim of this study was to detect and compare the effects of Virtual Reality and Helfer Skin Tap methods on pain, fear, anxiety, and satisfaction during the administration of Tetanus-Diphtheria vaccine to school-aged children. This study was an experimental randomized controlled trial. The sample was included 138 children in a family health centers aged 13 years who underwent Tetanus-Diphtheria vaccine. The participants were randomly assigned to Virtual Reality, Helfer Skin Tap, and control groups. Each group included 46 children, of whom 23 were female and 23 were male. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Children's Fear Scale and Visual Analog Scale were used to collect the data.
Detailed Description
This research aims to determine effects of Virtual Reality and Helfer Skin Tap methods on pain, fear, anxiety, and satisfaction during the administration of Tetanus-Diphtheria vaccine to school-aged children.
The following hypotheses were determined for the present study. Hypothesis 1. Virtual Reality is effective in reducing pain, fear and anxiety of children and increasing satisfaction during Tetanus-Diphtheria vaccine injection.
Hypothesis 2. Helfer Skin Tap is effective in reducing pain, fear and anxiety of children and increasing satisfaction during Tetanus-Diphtheria vaccine injection.
Hypothesis 3. Virtual Reality is more effective than Helfer Skin Tap in reducing pain, fear and anxiety of children and increasing satisfaction during Tetanus-Diphtheria vaccine injection.
This prospective, randomized controlled study will be conducted in a family health center in Manisa, Turkey, between May 2025 and December 2025. A parallel-group design will be employed, consisting of three arms: Virtual Reality, Helfer Skin Tap, and a control group. The study protocol will be guided by the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) checklist. All procedures will be performed by the same nurse at the designated family health center to ensure standardization.
Study Design
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Intervention Model
- Parallel
- Primary Purpose
- Other
- Masking
- None
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 13 Years to 13 Years (Child)
- Sex
- All
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria
- •being conscious (with the ability to communicate)
Exclusion Criteria
- •having a physical and psychological condition
- •taking any analgesics, sedatives, or anticonvulsants in the past 24 hours
- •having chronic or life-threatening disease
- •refusing the virtual reality or helfer skin tap technique intervention during vaccine injection.
Arms & Interventions
Virtual Reality Group
A brief orientation regarding the use of the virtual reality headset will be provided to the children. One minute prior to the vaccination procedure, the selected video-either a roller coaster or Formula 1 experience, based on the child's preference-will be initiated through the virtual reality headset. Throughout the procedure, the children will continue to watch the video using the virtual reality headset.
Intervention: Virtual Reality Group (Other)
Helfer Skin Tap Group
The Helfer Skin Tap technique is applied to reduce pain and muscle tension during intramuscular injection by stimulating large nerve fibers through rhythmic tapping. After determining the injection site and preparing the skin with alcohol, the area is tapped for approximately 5 seconds using the dominant hand. The syringe is then held in the dominant hand while a "V" shape is formed with the non-dominant hand to tap the skin firmly three times. On the count of three, the needle is inserted at a 90° angle. After aspiration, the medication is injected slowly while gentle tapping continues to maintain muscle relaxation. The procedure concludes with simultaneous needle withdrawal and a final V-shaped tap to minimize discomfort.
Intervention: Helfer Skin Tap Group (Other)
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
Time Frame: The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) will be administered immediately prior to and immediately following the vaccination procedure.
This scale consists of a 10-cm line (0-10 cm or 0-100 mm). The 0-line on the scale indicates "no pain," and the 10-line indicates "unbearable pain." The child is asked to mark the place that expresses the degree of pain. The distance from the point marked by the child to the 0 line is measured to determine the degree of pain. In children aged 8 and above, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) is considered the most reliable method.
Secondary Outcomes
- Children Fear Scale(Children Fear Scale will be administered immediately prior to and immediately following the vaccination procedure.)
- State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)(State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) will be administered immediately prior to and immediately following the vaccination procedure.)
- Satisfaction level(Satisfaction will be assessed immediately after the vaccination procedure.)
Investigators
Hatice ERDEM ÖNDER
Assistant Professor
Mehmet Akif Ersoy University