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Presentation Description
Institution: Integrated Palliative Care Unit, Hong Kong Buddhist Hospital, Hospital Authority - Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Introduction
Virtual Reality (VR), an innovative technique reduces pain and provides 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. Occupational therapists (OTs) had designed a video and displayed on a VR headset providing an immersive experience of a relax walk by lakeside to PC in-patients where they could engage in meaningful activities in a hospital setting.
Aim
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, 2.) Satisfaction of VR experience.
Methodology
This study was a prospective, single-arm study conducted 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, vital signs and participants’ symptoms by using Edmond 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
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). 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).
Conclusion
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 setting and explore its effectiveness in the future.
Presenters
Authors
Authors
Ms. Sin Ka Wong - Hong Kong Buddhist Hospital, Hospital Authority , Mr. Wai Chun Leung - Hong Kong Buddhist Hospital, Hospital Authority , Mr. Yuk Piu Chan - Hong Kong Buddhist Hospital, Hospital Authority , Ms. Yin Ling Chan - TWGHs Wong Tai Sin Hospital, Hospital Authority , Doctor Kui Fu Stanley Tam - Hong Kong Buddhist Hospital, Hospital Authority , Doctor Wai Shan Yau - Hong Kong Buddhist Hospital, Hospital Authority , Doctor Wai Lim Carmen Leung - Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hospital Authority , Ms. Pui Ha Cheng - Hong Kong Buddhist Hospital, Hospital Authority
