Proposed Topic (Most preferred): :
Clinical Safety and Quality Service III (Projects aiming at quality service to patients and their carers)
Proposed Topic (Second preferred): :
Research and Innovations (new projects / technology / innovations / service models)
Authors (including presenting author) :
Cheung KNS (1), Li SW (1), CHAN TM (1), TSAI KL (1)
Affiliation :
(1) Occupational Therapy Department, Haven of Hope Hospital
Introduction :
Conventional training has been used in palliative care (PC) by Occupational Therapist (OT) in Haven of Hope Hospital (HHH) for a long time. However, patients with PC symptoms limited their participation in various activities. Immersive VR using Oculus has been trial so as to widen the choice of activities beyond their physical limitation (e.g. travel oversea). This project is to explore the applicability of Oculus in local PC setting.
Objectives :
• To explore the acceptance of patients on using VR
• To examine the competence of VR in symptom control
Methodology :
PC in-patients without contact precaution and stable condition were asked in convenient date if they would be interested in VR.
Selected patients make choices from a wide range of VR topics with OT accompaniment throughout the session.
Pre/post questionnaire was compared between conventional group and VR group.
Result & Outcome :
From October 2022 to November 2023, a total of 220 patients were screened and 62 patients (28%) were suitable in engaging Oculus while there were 25 patients that we could actually applying Oculus on them. Results showed that local PC patients have fairly good acceptance using VR. For those applying Oculus on them, the completion rate was 100% and without any discomfort. Pre/post symptoms of fatigue, pain, shortness of breath, stress and mood were examined by self-rating Likert scale. The result of VR group using Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test showed there was significant difference in all variables (p<0.05) while on pain and mood were most significant. In conventional group, there is also significant difference in all variables (p<0.05) while mood and stress were more significant compared with VR group. Moreover, Kruskal Wallis Test was used to compare each variable (pre/post symptoms) between two groups. There was significant difference between groups on post-stress level (P<0.05), with conventional group experienced lower stress level than VR group.
Conclusion:
Desire to participate in valued occupations does not diminish at the end of life. About 1/4 of patients in PC ward is suitable for VR and about 40% of patients are actually willing to try VR. Oculus is effective in symptom control (esp. pain & mood), reduces patients suffering and enrich PC patient’s choice beyond their physical boundary.
