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| Photo: Courtesy Acid |
A world-first pain reduction device developed in Queensland is helping young burns victims cope better with treatment.
The high-tech breakthrough - an innovative diversionary therapy device which combines digital interaction and 3D animation - reduces the anxiety and distress experienced by young children undergoing painful treatment for burns.
It was developed by the Australasian CRC for Interaction Design (ACID) in partnership with the Burns Unit at the Royal Children's Hospital Brisbane, where second prototype devices are now being trialled.
Every year, thousands of children across Australia present to hospitals and outpatients units with serious burns injuries that can require painful treatment several times a week for some months.
"The treatment of burns, particularly in young children, can be an excruciating and drawn-out process for both the child and parents," Dr Roy Kimble, Clinical Director, Stuart Pegg Pediatric Burns Centre at the Royal Children's Hospital in Brisbane and head of the hospital's Burns Research Group, said.
"Existing pain management methods rely heavily on drug intervention and can require complete sedation of the patient. We were looking for an alternative way to manage children's pain during burns treatment."
In partnership with the hospital, ACID developed the devices that divert the child's attention during painful procedures by involving them in colourful, 3D adventures. Clinical trials show the devices significantly reduce pain scores during treatment.
"This diversion helps patients relax - and our trials show it significantly reduces pulse and respiratory rates and overall pain levels," Dr Kimble said.
Associate Professor Sam Bucolo, Research and Development Director, ACID, led the team that developed the technology.
"We developed two versions of these interactive devices to engage kids when their attention needs to be diverted from painful medical procedures," he said. "We designed a hand-held 'digital storyboard' for younger patients aged from about three years. The children can operate it themselves or it can be operated by mum or dad. Older kids can either use the hand-held storyboard or 3D goggles, which they think are pretty cool."
The devices offer a reality experience with colourful 3D characters, animations and adventure stories, and come complete with automated narration.
"The young patients get immersed in the adventures and can navigate through a series of scenarios and quests by either manipulating the 'digital storyboard' or moving their head, if they're wearing the goggles," Professor Bucolo said.
ACID believes this technology - combining digital media, augmented reality and diversionary therapy - has great potential as a pain management tool in other medical areas, for example emergency medicine, oncology, radiology and dentistry.
Funded by the Federal Government's Cooperative Research Centres Programme, ACID is a leading Australian research and design organisation. The Queensland Government, through the Department of State Development, Trade and Employment, supports it with $200 000 in operational funding over 2002-2006.
DSDTI contributed $32 800 in additional funds specifically for the Diversionary Therapy Device project.
Last reviewed 16 October 2006