Virtual reality in hospice: improved patient well-being

Virtual reality (VR) technology as a therapeutic intervention has been gaining attention in healthcare settings in recent years. Studies suggest that using the technology can help alleviate symptoms such as pain and anxiety and induce positive emotions for people in hospital. Managing symptoms and promoting emotional and psychological well-being are core palliative care goals of relieving suffering of people with life-limiting illness. Accordingly, VR may be highly beneficial for use in hospice care yet remains underdeveloped in such settings. This qualitative study aimed to trial the technology and consider what benefits may emerge for hospice in patients.

A one-off VR session was offered to patients at a hospice in Scotland. Sessions were observed by a researcher and followed by qualitative semi-structured interviews to discuss the experience with those who took part. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed.

Nineteen hospice patients successfully tried an immersive VR experience. VR sessions were acceptable for people within the hospice environment. The majority of participants enjoyed the experience. Many expressed joy and delight at the process. VR holds possibilities for relieving symptoms such as pain and anxiety frequently experienced by people in hospices. Furthermore, the technology offers the capacity to reconnect with a previous sense of self and to allow respite through the capacity to transcend current reality and connect with another meaningful reality. This exploratory study offers a starting point for larger studies to investigate the utility of VR for hospice patients.