Exploring Virtual Reality as an Intervention to Improve Symptom Severity in Hospice-Eligible Patients

Abstract

Virtual reality (VR) as an intervention has appeared in the literature and in clinical settings across many different populations. To expand the use of this care option, it is worth considering the ways in which a VR application may benefit individuals with life-limiting illness in hospice and palliative care settings. The incorporation of VR as a therapy option may aid in symptom management and support people nearing the end of life in focusing on aspects of their overall well-being. The goals of this study were to: 1) explore virtual reality as an intervention to improve symptom severity in hospice-eligible patients, 2) correlate self-reported presence scores to changes in symptom severity and 3) find evidence for feasibility of this type of intervention with a hospice eligible population. Participants partook in targeted, individualized VR experiences unique and personal to each participant; allowing them to revisit personally significant places where they experienced positive, meaningful memories during youth and adulthood. Due to difficulties in recruitment, a sample for sufficient statistical analysis was not achieved. However, the study yielded two takeaways: 1) evidence for feasibility and acceptability of this type of longitudinal intervention for hospice and palliative populations, 2) and VR sessions to meaningful places suggested potential symptom improvement and increased presence in VR with repeated sessions. Future research efforts should aim to expand on the use of VR in hospice-eligible populations.

Keywords: end-of-life; hospice care; palliative care; presence; symptom severity; virtual reality.