Virtual Reality Unleashes Flourishing Moments for Palliative Care Patients: A Breakthrough in Relaxation Therapy
January 31, 2024In a groundbreaking clinical trial, researchers have unveiled a revolutionary intervention known as Flourishing-Life-of-Wish Virtual Reality Relaxation Therapy (FLOW-VRT-Relaxation). This virtual reality (VR) treatment has shown remarkable effectiveness in helping cancer patients in palliative care hospices manage symptoms, alleviate stress, and even fulfill their last wishes.
Table of Contents
Palliative Care and Its Challenges
Palliative care, an interdisciplinary medical specialty dedicated to individuals with serious and often terminal illnesses, aims to enhance the quality of life for patients and their families by alleviating symptoms and stress. Despite its significance, only 14% of the estimated 56.8 million people in need of palliative care globally receive it, as reported by the World Health Organization. Psychological interventions, such as relaxation therapy, play a crucial role in palliative care, addressing the stress experienced by seriously ill patients.
FLOW-VRT-Relaxation: Merging Virtual Reality with Well-being
Designed in 2020 by lead author Olive Woo and her team, FLOW-VRT-Relaxation seamlessly combines standard-of-care relaxation therapy with immersive VR experiences. The therapy teaches patients diaphragmatic breathing, a technique to slow the heartbeat, lower blood pressure, and reduce stress. Simultaneously, patients wear VR headsets displaying 360° panoramic videos designed to induce a psychological state of ‘flourishing’—optimal well-being and fulfillment.
Results from the Clinical Trial
Between November 2022 and September 2023, 128 volunteers in palliative care hospices participated in the study. Half were assigned to FLOW-VRT-Relaxation, while the other half received standard-of-care coaching only. The VR videos, carefully chosen based on patient preferences, aimed to evoke joy, closure, and a meaningful end-of-life experience. Positive feedback from patients indicated a sense of awe and wonder as they immersed themselves in virtual environments.
Physical and Emotional Benefits
The study evaluated the effectiveness of both treatment groups using the Cantonese version of the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (CESAS). The results demonstrated a significantly greater improvement in physical and emotional well-being in the FLOW-VRT-Relaxation group. Patients reported feelings of joy, excitement, and gratitude, suggesting that VR experiences activated psychological mechanisms promoting self-determination and emotional well-being.
Future Prospects and Further Research
The researchers believe that FLOW-VRT-Relaxation is an effective, scalable, and personalized therapy for palliative care patients in the short term. Plans for further research involve studying the longer-term effects of VR-assisted relaxation on patients’ well-being. Co-author Dr. Alvaro Cassinelli expressed enthusiasm for investigating the advancements in personalized virtual reality and augmented reality environments, showcasing the potential for continued innovation in palliative care treatments.
This breakthrough not only highlights the potential of VR in healthcare but also underscores the importance of addressing the psychological well-being of patients in palliative care, offering them opportunities to experience moments of flourishing and fulfillment.
Reference:
Woo, O. K. L., Ng, R., Eckhoff, D., Cassinelli, A., & Lee, A. M. Flourishing-Life-Of-Wish Virtual Reality Relaxation Therapy (FLOW-VRT-Relaxation) Outperforms Traditional Relaxation Therapy in Palliative Care: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial. Frontiers in Virtual Reality, 4, 1304155.
