VR glasses help palliative patients relax, study finds

Virtual reality glasses can improve the quality of life of palliative-care patients by providing relaxation and distraction, according to a study at Hohenems State Hospital reported by ORF.

Two hospital nurses conducted the six-month study with 16 palliative-care patients aged between 50 and 80. The participants were surveyed before and after using the glasses. A nurse was present throughout each session to guide the virtual experience and adapt it to the patients’ needs.

The glasses showed participants mountain landscapes, exotic countries and animals. The images and sound were designed to create the impression of entering another environment.

After using the glasses, 15 of the 16 participants reported having had beautiful experiences, while 10 said they felt relaxed. None reported dizziness, nausea, sensory overload or stress. Fourteen said they would use the glasses again in the future.

Most participants found the glasses particularly helpful for relaxation and distraction during situations such as pain, blood tests and dressing changes.

The spatial effect is created by two screens, one for each eye, combined with images and sound.

Project leaders Katharina Widmann and Natalie Meusburger said the aim of palliative care was not to treat symptoms but to preserve quality of life. They described the glasses as a significant addition to non-medication-based treatments. They recently presented the project at the Austrian Palliative Care Congress.