How University of Washington Seattle and the U.W. Harborview Burn Center Is Using VR to Heal Patients

The University of Washington Seattle and the U.W. Harborview Burn Center use virtual reality (VR) distraction to help patients manage pain during medical procedures. ## Problem Statement Burn injury patients often suffer from severe pain that can affect their physical and mental health. Medications used for pain management can have side effects or be ineffective. Also, the patients may experience anxiety and fear related to medical procedures, which can make it difficult for medical professionals to provide optimal care. ## Solution The University of Washington Seattle and the U.W. Harborview Burn Center collaborated to create a program that uses VR distraction to reduce pain during medical procedures. ## Benefits Patients who used the VR program reported significantly reduced pain and anxiety during medical procedures. The use of VR distraction has allowed medical professionals to reduce the amount of medication needed to manage pain, minimizing the risk of side effects.