Authors (including presenting author) :
Leung WC(1), Wong SK(1), Chan YP(1), Chan YL(2), Tam KFS(3), Yau WS(3), Leung WLC(4), Cheng PH(5)
Affiliation :
(1)Occupational Therapy Department, Hong Kong Buddhist Hospital, (2)Occupational Therapy Department, TWGHs Wong Tai Sin Hospital, (3)The Department of Medicine, Hong Kong Buddhist Hospital, (4)Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, (5)Nursing Department, Hong Kong Buddhist Hospital
Introduction :
Virtual Reality (VR), an immersive experience by using a head-mounted display which is an innovative technique to reduce pain and provide distraction from suffering in the reality for patients. There has been increasing evidence to support the use of VR in various palliative care (PC) settings to reduce both physical and psychological sufferings on PC patients.
Engaging in meaningful activities is crucial for every human being, even when it is near end of life. However, there are various reasons for patients in PC finding it difficult to engage in meaningful activities, e.g. sense of fatigue and reduce in functional status.
Occupational therapists (OTs) in Hong Kong Buddhist Hospital (HKBH) had designed a video with display on a VR headset to provide an immersive experience of a relax walk in the park for PC in-patients and facilitate PC in-patients to engage in meaningful activities in a hospital setting.
Objectives :
The primary aim of this investigation is to collect preliminary report from patients’ experience in 1.) Reduction of any physical and psychological symptoms from VR experience, and 2.) Satisfaction of VR experience.
Methodology :
This study was a prospective, single-arm study conducted within HKBH during November 2022 to December 2022. 15 participants were recruited from PC ward who were mentally sound and willing to participate.
Pre-test and post-test on Modified Barthel Index, Palliative Performance Scale version 2 and vital signs and participants’ symptoms by using Edmonton Symptom Assessment System – English Version were collected. Psychological measures, satisfaction on VR experience and side effects, a 11-point NRS ranging from 0 to 10 was adopted.
Result & Outcome :
The average age of the participants was 69.0 (SD=12.85). Significant improvements were shown by Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test in pain (p=0.007), tiredness (p=0.005), nausea (p=0.027), lack of appetite (p=0.011), shortness of breath (p=0.017), depression (p=0.005), anxiety (p=0.018) and well-being (p=0.05). Psychological calmness was also significantly improved (p=0.005). Participants’ symptoms classified as moderate or severe severity had decreased after VR experience. None serious side effects were reported. The median score rated for enjoyment and satisfaction on VR experience were 8 out of 10 (10 = most satisfied).
This pilot study suggests that VR can be efficacious for PC patients to relieve symptoms. This experience allows occupational therapists to extend VR for PC patients in community settings and explore its effectiveness in the future.
