Virtual Reality Therapy in Palliative Care: A Case Series

Area of Science:

• Palliative Care Medicine
• Digital Health
• Therapeutic Technologies

Background:

• Virtual reality (VR) presents novel therapeutic avenues for managing symptoms in advanced disease.
• Limited research exists on VR therapy's application within palliative care settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and acceptability of VR therapy in palliative care patients.
• To explore patient experiences and perceived effects of VR intervention.

Main Methods:

• A case series involving six palliative care patients undergoing a single VR therapy session (20-60 minutes).
• Utilized semi-structured surveys, the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS), and the Distress Thermometer (DT) pre- and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• VR therapy was well-accepted, with five of six patients reporting positive experiences.
• Significant reduction in total ESAS scores (27.2 to 18.8) and moderate reduction in distress (4.4 to 3.8) observed.
• Patients reported temporary detachment and a break from worries; some experienced increased fatigue.

Conclusions:

• VR therapy is demonstrated as acceptable, feasible, and safe for palliative care patients.
• Preliminary findings suggest VR therapy is a viable treatment option, warranting further investigation.
• Clinical trials are necessary to confirm therapeutic effects and optimize VR systems for palliative care.