Last spring, Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada hosted the 2025 Virtual Reality Expo. The event brought together researchers, academics and healthcare professionals to explore the growing role of virtual reality (VR) in clinical care – from reducing preoperative anxiety to supporting rehabilitation, mental health and education.
Attendees visited a dozen booths featuring VR software already in use or soon to be launched in clinical settings.
Alexander Moreno, Ph.D., neuropsychologist at the Research Centre of the Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal, presented VR tools developed by his lab. While his work focuses on older adults, the findings have important implications for pediatric patients. These nonpharmaceutical approaches to anxiety and pain management may benefit children undergoing complex treatments.
Eight-year-old Mia, who lives with osteogenesis imperfecta, shared her experience: “Before, I was scared to come to the hospital. I didn’t like my treatment, but since I’ve been using the headset, I look forward to coming. I still feel the needle going into my arm, but just a little – it’s much better,” she said.
Event organizer and nurse scientist Argerie Tsimicalis emphasized the importance of collaboration: “We need to share our knowledge because we are listening to our patients, who want VR to be more deeply integrated into their care.”
LEARNMORE about our rehabilitative services at bit.ly/ShrinersPedRehab.
