Abstract 97P
Background
Diagnosis with a sarcoma and required treatments can have major impact on patient wellbeing.(1) (2) Virtual Reality(VR) is an emerging area in medicine and oncology, and VR tools could be used in the way of improving emotional wellbeing for patients. VREAL is a prospective study to assess the role of VR modalities and its impact on the emotional wellbeing of sarcoma patients.
Methods
This study is collecting data from sarcoma patients, who are asked to fill out a questionnaire before and after the VR intervention. Inclusion criteria are histologically proven diagnosis of bone or soft tissue sarcoma, age 18 – 70 years old, undergoing treatment (inpatient or outpatient chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery). The questionnaire was co-designed with psychology and patient input, and has a focus on pain, anxiety, and mood levels using a numerical scale. The questionnaire is combined with Distress Thermometer. Patients were instructed on how to use the VR headset and remote control, and could select their preferred options from games, relaxation, videos, and medical hypnosis.
Results
Overall, we had 8 [57.1%] female and 6 [42.8%] male participants; median age 40; 6 [54.5%] inpatients, and 5 seen in outpatient settings. Anxiety levels were reduced in 9 [64.2%] participants, pain levels were reduced in 5 [35.7%] participants, mood was improved in 8 [57.1%] participants. All (100%) participants found VR device useful for stress reduction. All (100%) found it easy to use and would like use it again. We are currently recruiting into the project and performing individua based analysis as a further statistical approach which will present at the Conference.
Conclusions
Further research is required to assess the role of VR on emotional wellbeing in sarcoma patients. There is no one size fits all approach and there might be indication in selected patients. More data are needed in this interesting field.
Clinical trial identification
Editorial acknowledgement
Legal entity responsible for the study
The authors.
Funding
Has not received any funding.
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.