At AFC Urgent Care Houston, we have begun using virtual reality (VR) goggles to enhance our patients’ experience and alleviate discomfort during medical treatments. This approach was first introduced to our Chief Operating Officer when his daughter was undergoing medical treatments at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. He saw how something as simple as VR distraction helped alleviate his child’s anxiety and made the medical visits less stressful. He knew this technology could make a difference and launched the use of VR goggles in our Houston-area clinics this fall.
The Power of Distraction: Why VR?
For many, the idea of a medical procedure—be it a simple injection, a minor surgical procedure, or even a routine examination—can be daunting. Fear of pain, anxiety about the unknown, and general discomfort can make even a brief visit to the urgent care center a stressful ordeal.
Distraction is a well-documented technique in healthcare that helps manage pain and anxiety. VR technology helps to immerse the patient in an engaging and soothing virtual environment. When patients wear VR goggles, they are transported to different worlds—a serene beach, a tranquil forest, or even an interactive game. This experience is a powerful distraction, helping redirect focus away from the discomfort or anxiety of medical procedures.
How it works:
AFC Urgent Care Houston’s integration of VR goggles into our clinics is an example of how technology can improve patient care. Upon arrival, patients will be assessed to determine if VR goggles would benefit their treatment. This decision is based on the provider’s discretion and will depend on the type of procedure and the patient's level of anxiety or discomfort.
Choosing the Experience: We offer a range of VR experiences based on the patient’s age, from toddlers to teens to adults. The goal is to provide an engaging and distracting experience to make the medical procedure more tolerable.
Procedure Underway: As a medical exam or treatment begins, patients will wear VR goggles and become immersed in their chosen virtual world. This distraction helps to minimize their focus on the procedure, reducing stress and perceived pain.
Post-Treatment: Patients often report feeling more relaxed and less distressed after the procedure than they would have without the VR experience
While distraction is a key benefit, the use of VR goggles in medical settings offers additional advantages including enhanced patient experience and support for pediatric care. Children, in particular, can benefit from VR distraction making physical exams, injections, and getting stitches less frightening and more manageable.
AFC Urgent Care Houston is proud to bring VR goggles to our clinics to enhance the patient experience. We offer VR goggles at 10 of our Houston area urgent care clinics. Walk-in or Reserve your Time Online!
