Proposed Topic (Most preferred): :
HA Young Investigators Session (Projects to be presented by HA staff who had joined HA for 10 years or less)
Proposed Topic (Second preferred): :
Clinical Safety and Quality Service III (Projects aiming at quality service to patients and their carers)
Authors (including presenting author) :
Cheng TSN(1), Wong SK(1), Leung WC(1), Chan YP(1), Chan YL (2), Tam KFS(3), Yau WS(3), Leung WLC(4), Cheng PH(5)
Affiliation :
(1) Occupational Therapy Department, Hong Kong Buddhist Hospital, (2) Occupational Therapy Department, TWGHS Wong Tai Sin Hospital, (3) The Department of Medicine, Hong Kong Buddhist Hospital, (4) Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, (5) Nursing Department, Hong Kong Buddhist Hospital
Introduction :
Homecoming is a common “bucket list” of hospitalised patients in palliative care but they face restrictions due to unstable disease conditions, inadequate social support, or unsuitable home environments. This case report explores the potential of virtual reality (VR) technology in fulfilling patients’ wish, addressing their psychosocial and spiritual needs. Previous research has shown VR is effective in alleviating somatic and psychological symptoms. Personalised VR video could provide an immersive experience of being at one’s home, enabling meaningful engagement in virtual form.
Objectives :
This case report aims to investigate VR as a means to fulfill “homecoming wish” of patients in palliative care who are unable to return home.
Methodology :
Hospitalised patients who express an unmet desire to go home can be identified through weekly multidisciplinary case conferences. Occupational therapist interviews patients and their caregivers to understand their values, routines, and essential memories. During site visit, therapist records a virtual tour of patient's home, emphasising significant areas, familiar objects, and memorable photos. Family photos and messages from families are incorporated into the video. Therapist ensures the video is in slow gradual progression to minimize motion sickness. Families are invited to watch real-time projection of VR video while patient experiencing through a head-mounted device. Patients’ and families’ feedback is collected after the session through interviews.
Result & Outcome :
Mr. Chong, a 75-year-old lung cancer patient with metastatic spinal cord compression experienced paraplegia, severe neck pain, dyspnea and a lack of caregiving resources, making home leave challenging. Occupational therapist introduced personalised VR “home video” to fulfill Mr. Chong wish and invited Mrs. Chong and sons’ families to watch it together in ward. Mr. Chong expressed that he indulged in surreal experience of being at home. Watching videos together allowed the family to reminisce about shared memories and have intimate conversations to express appreciation and recognition. This event gave him a sense of connectedness with his family and created cherished moments among them. This VR intervention also alleviated the wife's psychological distress of not being able to fulfill her husband’s wish. The case demonstrates the feasibility of using personalised VR to fulfill the homecoming wishes of terminally ill patients, enhancing the quality of care.
