The effects of virtual reality interventions on occupational participation and distress from symptoms in palliative care patients: A pilot study

Abstract

Abstract Background Virtual reality (VR) offers the prospect of a safe and effective adjunct therapeutic modality to promote mental health and reduce distress from symptoms in palliative care patients. Common physiological and psychological symptoms experienced at the end of life may impact the person’s participation in day-to-day activities that bring them meaning. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of VR interventions on occupational participation and distress from symptoms. Objectives To describe the stimulus, results, and learnings from a single-site pilot study of virtual reality therapy in a specialist palliative care setting. Methods Participants engaged in a VR session lasting from 9 to 30 minutes related to coping with pain, inner peace and mindfulness, adventure, and bucket list. Methods measures The pilot prospective quantitative observational cohort study was conducted from November 2021 through March 2022 using a pre-post VR intervention research design. Quantitative data was collected using patient-rated assessments and a wireless pulse oximeter. Occupational performance, satisfaction, and distress symptoms were measured using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure and the Palliative Care Outcomes Collaboration Symptom Assessment Scale (PCOC SAS). The intervention and study design adhered to international guidelines. Results Ten participants engaged in the VR interventions. Data showed significantly improved occupational performance and satisfaction scores (p < .001), decreases in PCOC SAS distress from pain (p = .01), fatigue (p < .001), and heart rate (p = .018). No adverse side effects were observed. Significance of results Outcomes included an analysis of virtual reality’s effectiveness to alleviate symptom burden and increase occupational participation for palliative care patients. Of specific interest to the research team was the application of virtual reality in a community–based and inpatient palliative care context to supplement allied health services and its feasibility of integration into standard palliative care. Conclusion VR therapy showed positive improvements in the participants’ occupational performance, satisfaction, and distress from pain and fatigue.