360° virtual tour as a novel preoperative preparation for children undergoing an outpatient procedure: a qualitative evaluation

Children experience anxiety before undergoing medical procedures, leading to negative emotional and behavioural outcomes. This study explores the perceived usefulness of a 360° imagery-based virtual tour of the procedure day visit in supporting children’s coping with challenges and anxiety related to an upcoming outpatient gastrointestinal procedure. Nine children aged 8–18 experienced the virtual tour with their parents and participated in semi-structured Zoom interviews. Three coders analysed the transcripts using a deductive-inductive method and assessed intercoder reliability with ATLAS.ti. The findings, drawn primarily from children's accounts and supplemented by parents’ perceptions, suggest that the virtual tour was helpful in reducing anxiety and increasing familiarity with the hospital environment. Becoming familiar with tour content supported multiple coping mechanisms, such as facilitating effective actions, adaptation to unfamiliar and fearful situations, and reducing fearful thoughts and fantasies. Tour features and influential healthcare elements included pop-up information windows, positive distractions, and medical equipment and supplies. Immersive technologies such as 360° virtual tours may help healthcare professionals working with children to reduce anxiety before medical procedures.