Virtual reality takes TPCH oncology patients around the world

The TPCH Oncology Day Therapy Unit see approximately 60 patients per week. On average these patients will receive 3 – 5 hours of care, whilst in the unit.

Many return for weekly or fortnightly care. Consumers were asked, ‘What would make your experience of receiving chemotherapy treatment at TPCH better?’ Patients offered a range of suggestions including charging points for personal devices. One suggestion was the use of Virtual Reality to really “get away from the clinic environment.”

The Oncology Day Therapy Unit applied for innovation funding for the use of Virtual Reality to improve the patient experience receiving chemotherapy, and when successful, engaged Information Technology and Metro North Procurement Services to produce technology for a pilot. Consumers co-designed the project and trial the equipment including the selection of the virtual reality apps to purchase, and virtual reality testing and development of education materials.

After trialing the virtual reality headsets patients indicated they wanted an instruction sheet with descriptors regarding the icons within the display and this function was added to increase usability. Lastly the most effective way to recruit trial participants was to encourage consumers to promote the virtual reality experience to other patients.

Immersed into a 3D environment via headsets, patients use applications that can transport them inside colouring books, go for walks with National Geographic through nature, and even drop a line to catch a fish all whilst receiving treatment.

“The virtual reality experience took me to a place where I’d rather be and to what I’d rather be doing,” consumer group member and patient, Sun Kim said. “It takes my focus away from the treatment room and the confined spaces and off into nature. It is honestly awesome. I am going to tell everyone they should try this.”

A true representation of how co-design can be beneficial for both project members and consumers alike, social worker and team member Lisa Woollcott reflected on her experience in the project.

“Once innovation funding was obtained, the team were able to engage purchase the technology needed for a pilot,” she said. The consumer group were with us from the start, volunteering their time and personal wisdom to help develop and assist throughout the different stages of the project. It has been wonderful to work in the team and with the consumers. They made the project more enjoyable and played a vital role in its success.”