Dr. Amir Behboudi
(Photo credit: Fraser Health Authority)
Peace Arch EP and DEM faculty member, Dr. Amir Behboudi, is conducting a study using inexpensive VR goggles for pediatric patients during potentially scary experiences like receiving stitches or having an IV inserted.
“Our dream is for kids not to be afraid when they visit the ER,” said Dr. Behboudi. “There are simple things we can do to completely change the way they react to pain and to the hospital. We can take their attention away from the pain with VR. We know that distraction works. The brain can get fooled when multiple inputs are coming in.”
Dr. Behdoubi worked with Dr. Ran Goldman to duplicate the project at BC Children’s hospital and is working with other emergency rooms in Fraser Health to brief them on the study and VR technology applications.