Virtual reality for cancer symptom management: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Virtual reality (VR) interventions effectively manage physical and psychological symptoms in pediatric and adult cancer patients. This systematic review highlights VR as a valuable tool to improve well-being and comfort during cancer care.
Area Of Science
- Oncology
- Digital Health
- Patient Care
Background
- Cancer treatment often involves significant physical and psychological distress.
- Innovative therapeutic approaches are needed to improve patient well-being.
- Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a potential tool for symptom management.
Purpose Of The Study
- To systematically review the effectiveness of VR interventions for symptom management in pediatric and adult cancer patients.
- To evaluate VR's impact on both physical and psychological well-being.
- To assess the quality and risk of bias in relevant randomized controlled trials.
Main Methods
- A systematic search of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between 2019 and 2024 was conducted across PubMed, EBSCO, and SCOPUS.
- Keywords included "virtual reality" AND ("cancer" OR "cancer patients").
- Study quality was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute tools and Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2.0 (RoB 2).
Main Results
- Fifteen RCTs met the inclusion criteria, with seven focusing on pediatric and eight on adult cancer patients.
- VR interventions demonstrated effectiveness in managing physical symptoms (pain, nausea, fatigue, sleep quality) and psychological symptoms (anxiety, depression, mood).
- Four studies had strong methodological rigor, while eleven were rated as moderate.
Conclusions
- Virtual reality (VR) is an effective intervention for improving psychological well-being and comfort in pediatric and adult cancer patients.
- VR shows significant potential for symptom alleviation and enhancing the quality of life.
- VR represents a valuable addition to comprehensive cancer care strategies.
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