There's no denying that surgery can be an incredibly nerve-wracking experience, particularly for children. In South Bay, however, healthcare professionals are turning to cutting-edge technology to help young patients feel more at ease before their procedures. According to an article on ABC7 News, virtual reality headsets are being used as a calming tool for children awaiting surgery at the Sutter Ambulatory Care Center and Surgery Center in San Jose.
One young patient, 7-year-old Naiya, recently shared her experience testing the technology. "I saw a fire pit and there was a big window with mountains and the galaxy," she said. The center, which officially opened on August 1, 2023, boasts state-of-the-art technology, including the virtual reality headsets as part of their mission to ensure that patients have a well-rounded and comfortable experience. With more virtual reality headsets planned to be rolled out at other Sutter Health facilities throughout the summer, the goal is to make this innovative technology available to as many young patients as possible.
The virtual reality headsets work by engaging patients with calming avatars and exercises designed to help them relax and reduce anxiety. As Dr. Paul Elcavage, pediatric anesthesiologist at the center, explained in an interview, the avatar guides children to breathe in and out with its wings, slowing down their breathing and ultimately helping them feel more at ease before surgery. The technology used in the headsets, based on meditative research, offers an immersive, calming experience that may soon find its way into operating rooms, with the hope that children can continue interacting with their friendly avatar instead of focusing on the surgery and its accompanying medical equipment.
Sutter Health's adoption of virtual reality technology is a significant step forward in delivering patient-centered care, particularly in pediatric surgery. It's a welcome development considering that access to convenient and coordinated care has been a priority for Sutter Health, which has been steadily expanding its network of ambulatory care centers in Northern California
Virtual reality has already proven its value in various industries, with its applications in healthcare continually expanding. By implementing this technology in pediatric surgery, it's clear that healthcare professionals can create a more reassuring and soothing environment for young patients who might be especially fearful of undergoing surgery. The use of virtual reality not only alleviates their anxiety but also provides a more positive experience overall. As technology evolves, it's exciting to see its application in improving patient care and its potential to make a difference in patients' lives.
In addition to the planned rollout of virtual reality headsets at other Sutter Health facilities, the healthcare provider continues to work on innovating and expanding access to high-quality care across Northern California. For instance, Sutter Health is on track to open or expand nine more care centers in the greater Silicon Valley area over the next few years.
