Virtual reality reduces pain in palliative care–A feasibility trial
Abstract Background Effective symptom control is a stated goal of palliative care (PC) to improve quality of life for terminally ill patients. Virtual reality (VR) provides temporary escapes from pharmacologically resistant pain and allows for experiences and journeys patients may not access in any...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2022-10-01
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| Series: | BMC Palliative Care |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12904-022-01058-4 |
| _version_ | 1817979659287003136 |
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| author | Miriam Guenther Dennis Görlich Florian Bernhardt Esther Pogatzki-Zahn Burkhard Dasch Janina Krueger Philipp Lenz |
| author_facet | Miriam Guenther Dennis Görlich Florian Bernhardt Esther Pogatzki-Zahn Burkhard Dasch Janina Krueger Philipp Lenz |
| author_sort | Miriam Guenther |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Effective symptom control is a stated goal of palliative care (PC) to improve quality of life for terminally ill patients. Virtual reality (VR) provides temporary escapes from pharmacologically resistant pain and allows for experiences and journeys patients may not access in any other way. Enabling wishes through virtual worlds may also offer additional benefits such as controlling psychological and physical symptoms. Aims We investigated the feasibility of a single VR experience as a viable, satisfying, and effective tool for end-of-life pain relief for inpatients presenting palliative needs. Design This is an observational, single-arm and national single-center feasibility trial. Methods A one-time VR experience with a selection of several videos and games was offered to 45 inpatients receiving PC at Muenster University Hospital. Patients with brain tumors, brain metastases, seizures, motion sickness, claustrophobia, vertigo, hearing or visual impairment, or unable to consent were excluded. Primary outcome measured patient reported pain on a visual analogue scale (VAS). We also measured Karnofsky performance status, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) using the EQ-5D-5 L questionnaire, and the Pain Out Questionnaire for postoperative pain. Results We analyzed data from 21 women (52.5%) and 19 men (47.5%) at an average age of 51.9 (SD: 15.81) years. The mean Karnofsky score among the sample was 45.5 (SD: 14.97) and the HRQOL was 41.9 (SD: 23.08). While no serious side effects were reported during the intervention, three patients experienced nausea (7%), two headaches (5%), and three reported dry eyes (7%) afterwards. Significant pain reduction (baseline VAS 2.25 (SD: 0.4399)) was demonstrated during (VAS 0.7 (SD: 0.2983, p < 0.0001)), immediately after (VAS 0.9 (SD: 0.3354, p = 0.0001)) and one hour after the intervention (VAS 1.15 (SD: 0.4163, p = 0.0004)). More than 80% rated the VR experience as very good or good (85%, n = 34) and intended to make use of the device again (82.5%, n = 33). However, two participants (5%) also expressed sadness by becoming aware of old memories and previous opportunities that are gone. Discussion The present pilot study suggests that VR seems to be a feasible and effective tool for pain relief in PC. Its use encompasses the approach of a total pain and symptom therapy and enhances patients’ dignity and autonomy. Future research ought to include if and to what extent VR could reduce the necessity of pharmacological pain relief. |
| first_indexed | 2024-04-13T22:44:31Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-3b52bf18a0dd48739d998b67e7645b02 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1472-684X |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-04-13T22:44:31Z |
| publishDate | 2022-10-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Palliative Care |
| spelling | doaj.art-3b52bf18a0dd48739d998b67e7645b022022-12-22T02:26:27ZengBMCBMC Palliative Care1472-684X2022-10-012111910.1186/s12904-022-01058-4Virtual reality reduces pain in palliative care–A feasibility trialMiriam Guenther0Dennis Görlich1Florian Bernhardt2Esther Pogatzki-Zahn3Burkhard Dasch4Janina Krueger5Philipp Lenz6Department of Palliative Care, University Hospital MuensterInstitute of Biostatistics and Clinical Research, University of MuensterDepartment of Palliative Care, University Hospital MuensterDepartment of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, University Hospital MuensterDepartment of Palliative Care, University Hospital MuensterSpecialized Outpatient Palliative Care Service MuensterDepartment of Palliative Care, University Hospital MuensterAbstract Background Effective symptom control is a stated goal of palliative care (PC) to improve quality of life for terminally ill patients. Virtual reality (VR) provides temporary escapes from pharmacologically resistant pain and allows for experiences and journeys patients may not access in any other way. Enabling wishes through virtual worlds may also offer additional benefits such as controlling psychological and physical symptoms. Aims We investigated the feasibility of a single VR experience as a viable, satisfying, and effective tool for end-of-life pain relief for inpatients presenting palliative needs. Design This is an observational, single-arm and national single-center feasibility trial. Methods A one-time VR experience with a selection of several videos and games was offered to 45 inpatients receiving PC at Muenster University Hospital. Patients with brain tumors, brain metastases, seizures, motion sickness, claustrophobia, vertigo, hearing or visual impairment, or unable to consent were excluded. Primary outcome measured patient reported pain on a visual analogue scale (VAS). We also measured Karnofsky performance status, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) using the EQ-5D-5 L questionnaire, and the Pain Out Questionnaire for postoperative pain. Results We analyzed data from 21 women (52.5%) and 19 men (47.5%) at an average age of 51.9 (SD: 15.81) years. The mean Karnofsky score among the sample was 45.5 (SD: 14.97) and the HRQOL was 41.9 (SD: 23.08). While no serious side effects were reported during the intervention, three patients experienced nausea (7%), two headaches (5%), and three reported dry eyes (7%) afterwards. Significant pain reduction (baseline VAS 2.25 (SD: 0.4399)) was demonstrated during (VAS 0.7 (SD: 0.2983, p < 0.0001)), immediately after (VAS 0.9 (SD: 0.3354, p = 0.0001)) and one hour after the intervention (VAS 1.15 (SD: 0.4163, p = 0.0004)). More than 80% rated the VR experience as very good or good (85%, n = 34) and intended to make use of the device again (82.5%, n = 33). However, two participants (5%) also expressed sadness by becoming aware of old memories and previous opportunities that are gone. Discussion The present pilot study suggests that VR seems to be a feasible and effective tool for pain relief in PC. Its use encompasses the approach of a total pain and symptom therapy and enhances patients’ dignity and autonomy. Future research ought to include if and to what extent VR could reduce the necessity of pharmacological pain relief.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12904-022-01058-4Palliative careVirtual realityPain controlPain treatment |
| spellingShingle | Miriam Guenther Dennis Görlich Florian Bernhardt Esther Pogatzki-Zahn Burkhard Dasch Janina Krueger Philipp Lenz Virtual reality reduces pain in palliative care–A feasibility trial BMC Palliative Care Palliative care Virtual reality Pain control Pain treatment |
| title | Virtual reality reduces pain in palliative care–A feasibility trial |
| title_full | Virtual reality reduces pain in palliative care–A feasibility trial |
| title_fullStr | Virtual reality reduces pain in palliative care–A feasibility trial |
| title_full_unstemmed | Virtual reality reduces pain in palliative care–A feasibility trial |
| title_short | Virtual reality reduces pain in palliative care–A feasibility trial |
| title_sort | virtual reality reduces pain in palliative care a feasibility trial |
| topic | Palliative care Virtual reality Pain control Pain treatment |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12904-022-01058-4 |
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