Virtual Reality Education for Radiation Therapy Patients

Asia University84 enrolled

Overview

Radiation therapy is an important treatment for cancer, but patients receiving radiation therapy for the first time may experience anxiety because they are unfamiliar with the treatment process, equipment, and possible side effects. This study evaluated whether a 360-degree virtual reality patient education program could improve radiation therapy knowledge and reduce anxiety and depression among first-time radiation therapy patients. Participants received either virtual reality education or conventional nurse-led education. Knowledge, anxiety, and depression were assessed before and after the educational intervention.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

NON_RANDOMIZED

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Cancer Radiation Therapy Patient Education

Interventions

Participants received standard face-to-face patient education delivered by nurses before radiation therapy. The education included explanations of radiation therapy procedures, treatment preparation, treatment environment, and side-effect management.

360-Degree Virtual Reality Patient EducationBEHAVIORAL

Participants received a 360-degree virtual reality patient education module before radiation therapy. The module introduced the radiation therapy environment, treatment procedures, preparation, and side-effect management using a head-mounted display.

Eligibility

Sex: ALL

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Participants aged 20 years or older * Patients with cancer who received radiation therapy for the first time * Received radiation therapy for treatment sites located below the head and neck, without restriction regarding cancer stage Exclusion Criteria: * Visual or hearing impairment that prevented comprehension of educational information * Abnormal skin conditions of the head or face that caused difficulty with equipment use * Inability to tolerate VR equipment * Head and neck cancer

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Change in Radiation Therapy Knowledge Score

Radiation therapy knowledge was assessed using a structured knowledge questionnaire. Higher scores indicate greater knowledge of radiation therapy procedures, treatment preparation, and side-effect management. Total scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating greater radiation therapy knowledge.

Time frame: Baseline and immediately following CT simulation

Secondary Outcomes

Change in Anxiety Score Assessed by HADS-A

Anxiety was assessed using the anxiety subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Total scores range from 0 to 21, with higher scores indicating higher levels of anxiety.

Time frame: Baseline, immediately following CT simulation, and immediately following the fifth radiation therapy session

Change in Depression Score Assessed by HADS-D

Depression was assessed using the depression subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Total scores range from 0 to 21, with higher scores indicating higher levels of depression.