The objective of this study is to determine whether VR can ameliorate symptoms for palliative care patients within a hospice setting. We also aim to verify the efficacy with a larger sample size than previously shown, as well as extend the population to include non-cancer patients receiving Hospice care. We will further attempt to delineate whether there is a sustainability of symptomatic improvement one week after VR experiences.
Potential candidates will be provided with our assent and consent information form and the study will be explained to them in detail prior to gaining consent. As per standard practice at The Hospice of Windsor \& Essex County, palliative care ESAS symptoms will be measured at baseline during the week prior to the VR experience. The mean of these pre-VR scores will be calculated as a baseline, optimally 3 separate ESAS scores in the preceding week. ESAS symptoms and expectations/satisfaction will then be measured immediately before and after the VR experience. An average set of ESAS scores will then be calculated in the same manner for one week post VR as per baseline pre-VR scores above. We expect to find a decrease in Palliative Care symptoms after the intervention of a VR experience.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
15
The intervention is a Virtual Reality experience within a selected application using an Oculus Quest 2 ©, as previously in the relevant intervention arm.
The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
RECRUITINGVR experience effect on pain, shortness of breath, depression, anxiety, and well-being scores (0 - 10)
The primary outcome of this study will be a significant difference in change of ESAS score for 5 key symptoms (pain, shortness of breath, depression, anxiety, and well-being) immediately before and after a VR experience.
Time frame: ESAS scores measured immediately before VR experience will be compared to ESAS scores measured immediately after VR experience
VR experience longitudinal effect (one week later) on baseline pain, shortness of breath, depression, anxiety, and well-being scores (0 - 10)
The first secondary outcome of this study will be a significant difference between the mean of the 1-week pre-VR and the mean of the 1-week post-VR ESAS scores for 5 key symptoms (pain, shortness of breath, depression, anxiety, and well-being). For more objective evaluation of pain and distress we will also be measuring vitals immediately before and immediately after each VR experience.
Time frame: Baseline average ESAS scores measured one week prior to the VR experience will be compared to the average of ESAS scores one week following the VR experience.
VR experience effect on Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) (part of vital signs) as indicator for Pain and/or Distress
For more objective evaluation of pain and distress, the investigators will be measuring blood pressure to compare the Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP; mmHg) immediately before and immediately after each VR experience.
Time frame: MAP measured immediately before and immediately after each VR experience.
VR experience effect on Heart Rate (HR) (part of vital signs) as indicator for Pain and/or Distress
For more objective evaluation of pain and distress, the investigators will be measuring Heart Rate (HR; beats per minute \[bpm\]) immediately before and immediately after each VR experience.
Time frame: HR measured immediately before and immediately after each VR experience.
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VR experience effect on Respiratory Rate (RR) (part of vital signs) as indicator for Pain and/or Distress
For more objective evaluation of pain and distress, the investigators will be measuring Respiratory Rate (RR; breaths per minute \[brpm\]) immediately before and immediately after each VR experience.
Time frame: RR measured immediately before and immediately after each VR experience.