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Experiences of Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy With Virtual Reality: Mixed Methods Feasibility Study
Anna Janssen1, Jennifer Fletcher2, Melanie Keep3
1Research in Implementation Science and eHealth Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
JMIR Serious Games
|February 21, 2022
Summary
Virtual reality (VR) is acceptable and feasible for adult cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, offering distraction and breaking treatment monotony. However, challenges like app access and staff workload must be addressed for sustained healthcare integration.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Digital Health
- Patient Experience
Background:
- Virtual reality (VR) shows promise as a distraction intervention during chemotherapy.
- Limited research exists on VR's effectiveness and sustainable implementation in adult cancer care.
- Investigating VR's role in healthcare organizations is crucial for patient support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and acceptability of VR for adult patients receiving chemotherapy.
- To identify key factors enabling the sustained integration of VR into healthcare settings.
- To explore patient and organizational perspectives on VR during cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Adult patients undergoing chemotherapy participated in a VR intervention.
- Observations and post-intervention surveys were used to gather data.
- Semistructured interviews explored patient experiences with VR.
Main Results:
- VR was found to be feasible and acceptable for patients during chemotherapy.
- Some patients experienced VR as an effective distraction, though awareness of treatment duration persisted.
- Barriers to sustained implementation included app library access and staff workload.
Conclusions:
- Virtual reality (VR) is acceptable for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
- Patients utilized VR for breaking treatment monotony and as an additional recreational activity.
- Successful widespread implementation of VR in clinical practice requires addressing identified challenges.
