Virtual reality in hospice: improved patient well-being

Abstract

BackgroundVirtual 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.MethodsA 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.ResultsNineteen 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.

Virtual Reality in Palliative Care: A Systematic Review

“…Qualitative data from 14 participants in Brungardt et al [ 34 ] reported the VR intervention as comfortable and easy to engage with; however, two participants found the experience acceptable but did not enjoy it. Similarly, Lloyd and Haraldsdottir [ 32 ] found that most participants described their experience with the VR intervention positively, including reports of joy and happiness and “being lifted out of their current situation” (p348). In addition, some neutral responses and very little negative feedback were provided.…”

“…No overall statistical differences were found; however, it was reported that those in the personalised group appeared to experience the greatest improvement in tiredness, anxiety, and psychological well-being, while those in the non-personalised group appeared to experience the greatest improvements in tiredness and drowsiness using mean difference scores. Other studies qualitatively reported an improvement in psychological [ 22 , 32 , 33 , 34 ] and somatic outcomes [ 32 , 33 , 34 ].…”

“…Generally, most participants were satisfied with the VR interventions they were offered. Three themes were identified relating to palliative care patients’ satisfaction with VR: the experience [ 22 , 23 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 ], overall likeability of the intervention [ 22 , 30 , 32 , 34 , 35 ] and perceived benefit and helpfulness [ 22 , 30 , 32 , 33 ].…”

“…Ferguson et al [ 35 ] found that 56% (14/25) participants enjoyed the VR experience. Johnson et al [ 30 ] reported that patients moderately liked the VR headset with a mean rating of 5.75 on a 10-point scale (with 1 representing least likability), while Lloyd and Haraldsdottir [ 32 ] found that overall, patient responses to VR were generally positive with some neutral responses and infrequent negative responses. Finally, Nwosu et al [ 22 ] reported that all participants would like to use VR again, indicating likeability.…”

“…In the study by Johnson et al [ 30 ], participants found the intervention moderately beneficial, with a mean rating of 4.42 on a 10-point scale, with 1 representing least beneficial. Lloyd and Haraldsdottir [ 32 ] found that some participants were able to find some fulfillment through the VR intervention in the form of having new experiences like visiting places they had never been. Others found benefit in the capacity to connect with the past and forget about their current situation during the VR experience.…”