This is what the specialist palliative care team at the Friarage Hospital is doing as they are testing DR.VR, a virtual reality (VR) headset that aims to help patients reduce pain, breathlessness and anxiety and provide much-needed relaxation or new experiences.
Virtual reality is increasingly being adopted in the NHS as the technology can benefit patients by helping them manage pain and reduce anxiety while assisting staff in their training and medical surgeries.
DR.VR Immersive Therapy Kits are class one medical devices that have been designed for effective, easy and safe deployment of immersive therapy in healthcare environments.
The medical device, which has already received positive feedback from patients, aims to reduce breathlessness and pain and support patient wellbeing whilst transforming and improving patient outcomes.
The VR technology has already been adopted across several NHS trusts in the UK and has provided non-pharmacological intervention to offer an even better standard of care for patients.
Palliative care clinical nurse specialist Hayley Hadfield initially suggested the idea of using VR after seeing first-hand the benefits of VR technology in patients at a neighbouring trust.
She said: “I was fortunate enough to see the kit being trialled in a neighbouring trust and could see the benefits it had on patients, and I was keen on getting it trialled in our trust.
Evidence and research have shown it has been effectively used within palliative care as a non-pharmacological intervention to help with the symptoms of breathlessness, anxiety and pain.
“As a specialist multi-disciplinary team, we are always looking for ways to improve practice and patient care, and we are all extremely excited to trial and hopefully, implement permanently within the practice going forward.”
One of the patients already benefiting from the VR headset is Lynda Coates from Bedale.
The 75-year-old was referred into the team by a cancer specialist nurse to receive additional support with relaxation and fatigue.
Testing the VR headset for the first time, Lynda felt an instant difference as she experienced relaxed breathing and improved overall wellbeing while helping her manage anxiety.
She said: “It is so relaxing and I have had a brilliant experience and I am sure everyone would benefit from this.”
Cancer care coordinator Kimberley Almond and occupational therapist Nicola Simpson helped Lynda with the VR headset.
Kimberley added:
The DR.VR headset is particularly useful for patients who are unable to get out and about, as it enables them to have an enjoyable experience in their own home, as well as helping with symptom management.
“As a team, we have adopted a multi-professional approach and the VR headset will be used by nurses, occupational therapy staff, cancer care coordinators and doctors within specialist palliative care.”
The headsets and other technology have been leased to the trust by Rescape Innovation Ltd.
Fundraising manager for Our Hospitals Charity Lisa Meehan said: “We are delighted to be able to fund this equipment and it is wonderful to hear that patients are already benefitting from it.
“We are always keen to improve patient experience and have been able to do this thanks to a generous donation and hope that many more patients will benefit from its use.”