Virtual reality (VR) has been found to alleviate pain and distress in cancer patients, according to a comprehensive analysis published in BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care. The study suggests that VR technology also holds promise for individuals with other chronic conditions such as multiple sclerosis, kidney disease, and dementia. With the increasing accessibility and affordability of VR technologies, there is growing interest in utilizing them to enhance the quality of life for patients.
To address the effectiveness of VR in managing the medical and psychological effects of long-term conditions, researchers conducted an extensive search of research databases. They found 31 relevant studies conducted between 1993 and 2023, which examined the use and efficacy of immersive virtual reality in patients with various conditions including cancer, dementia, cardiovascular disease, multiple sclerosis, kidney disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The studies involved 30 to 50 participants, mostly women with an average age of 51, and the virtual reality sessions lasted around 20 minutes.
The studies explored environment-based and game-based virtual reality interventions, aiming to either relax users before medical procedures or engage them in specific skills for managing their condition. The findings of the studies revealed that virtual reality was helpful in coping with medical treatments and emotional impact across different conditions. However, there was no clear superior option in terms of the type of virtual reality and procedures used. Some studies had limitations such as small sample sizes and lack of comparison groups, highlighting the need for caution in interpreting the results.
The exact mechanisms by which VR affects patients physically and psychologically are still uncertain. It is believed that VR may act as a distraction, absorbing attention, or alter the user’s mental state, potentially reducing the experience of pain and enhancing their ability to cope with their condition. The researchers noted that immersive VR interventions offer a non-pharmacological intervention that is considered acceptable by clinicians, caregivers, and patients. Additionally, as VR systems become more accessible, they may offer cost benefits compared to conventional treatments.
Further research is essential to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms behind VR interventions, their most effective applications, and the circumstances under which they prove most beneficial. The researchers concluded that VR interventions have the potential to enhance the physical and psychological well-being of individuals with physical illness. They emphasized the importance of “good quality research” and highlighted the positive impact of VR interventions in minimizing pain and distress, particularly among cancer patients.
In conclusion, the use of immersive virtual reality shows promise in alleviating pain and distress in cancer patients and individuals with other chronic conditions. As VR technology becomes more accessible, it offers a non-pharmacological intervention that may provide cost benefits compared to conventional treatments. However, further research is needed to fully understand the effectiveness and potential of VR interventions in enhancing the quality of life for patients.