Novel Virtual Reality App for Training Patients on MRI-guided Radiation Therapy

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Radiation Oncology
• Virtual Reality Applications

Background:

• Respiratory gating in MRI-guided radiation therapy (MRIgRT) requires prolonged breath-holds (≥25 seconds).
• Virtual reality (VR) shows potential for patient education and experience enhancement in diagnostic MRI.
• There is a need for specialized training tools for MRIgRT breath-holding protocols.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and pilot-test a VR application for educating and training patients undergoing MRIgRT.
• To assess the VR app's ability to reduce anxiety and discomfort associated with MRIgRT breath-holding.
• To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of VR for MRIgRT patient preparation.

Main Methods:

• Iterative development of a VR app with multidisciplinary team and patient input.
• VR app modules include device orientation, breath-holding training, and MRIgRT simulation.
• Feasibility, acceptability, and potential efficacy testing in MRIgRT-eligible pancreatic cancer patients and clinic personnel.

Main Results:

• The VR app was tested by 19 patients and 67 clinic personnel, with completion times of 18.6 and 14.9 minutes, respectively.
• Patients found the app "extremely helpful" (58%) or "very helpful" (32%) for learning breath-holding.
• A significant majority of patients reported the app was "extremely helpful" (28%) or "very helpful" (50%) in reducing anxiety.

Conclusions:

• The developed VR app is a feasible and acceptable tool for training patients on breath-holding techniques for MRIgRT.
• Patient and staff feedback will guide future improvements to enhance the VR app's usability and efficacy.
• VR technology offers a promising approach to improve patient preparation and outcomes in MRIgRT.