A Video System to Help Children Cooperate with Motion Control for Radiation Treatment Without Sedation

Abstract

A behavioral program for teaching children to cooperate with radiation treatment without sedation was previously published in this journal. Outcome data from using that program with 11 more children are reported here. For these children, an apparatus was developed to display video cartoons and movies during their behavioral training, radiation therapy planning, and daily treatments. Literature supporting the use of video displays to provide relaxation, distraction, and counterconditioning during medical procedures is highlighted. With behavioral training and the video display, 9 of the 11 children were able to avoid any sedation for daily treatments. A 10th child was able to avoid general anesthesia for his last 10 daily treatments. The advantages and limitations of behavioral training as an alternative to repeated sedation or anesthesia for radiation treatment are discussed.