Virtual reality for improving pain and pain-related symptoms in patients with advanced stage colorectal cancer: A pilot trial to test feasibility and acceptability. Issue 4 (August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kelleher, Sarah A.; Fisher, Hannah M.; Winger, Joseph G.; Miller, Shannon N.; Amaden, Grace H.; Somers, Tamara J.; Colloca, Luana; Uronis, Hope E.; Keefe, Francis J.
• Is Part Of: Palliative & supportive care. Volume 20:Issue 4(2022)
• Page Start: 471
• Page End: 481
• Publication Date: 2022-08
• Subjects: Advanced disease -- Cancer pain -- Colorectal cancer -- Palliative care -- Virtual reality; Palliative treatment -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 616.029
• DOI: 10.1017/S1478951521002017
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1478-9515

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: Virtual reality (VR) has the potential to improve pain and pain-related symptoms. We examined the feasibility, acceptability, safety, and impact of a 30-min virtual underwater/sea environment (VR Blue) for reducing pain and pain-related symptoms in advanced colorectal cancer patients. A qualitative exit interview was conducted to understand preferences, thoughts, and feelings about the VR session. Method: Participants ( N = 20) had stage IV colorectal cancer and moderate-to-severe pain. Participants completed a 30-min VR Blue session that visually and aurally immersed them in virtual ocean scenarios. Feasibility was assessed by accrual ( N = 20), protocol adherence (≥80% completing VR Blue), and completed data (≥80% assessment completion). Acceptability was determined by patients reporting ≥80% intervention satisfaction. Safety was determined by ≥80% of patients completing the session without self-reported side effects. Measures of pain, tension, relaxation, stress, anxiety, and mood were collected before, during, and after the VR Blue session. A semi-structured qualitative interview was conducted after VR Blue to assess participants' VR experiences. Results: All participants (100%) completed the VR Blue session. There was 100% data collection at the pre- and post-assessments. Satisfaction with VR Blue was high M = 3.3 (SD = 0.4) (83%). No significant side effects were reported. Pain decreased by 59% (Pre- M = 3 [1]; Post- M = 1 [1]). Tension decreased by 74% (Pre- M = 30 [24]; Post- M = 8 [13]). Relaxation improved by 38% (Pre- M = 62 [21]); Post- M = 86 [17]). Stress decreased by 68% (Pre- M = 24 [24]; Post- M = 8 [14]). Anxiety decreased by 65% (Pre- M = 20 [23]; Post- M = 7 [13]). Mood improved by 70% (Pre- M = 13 [16]; Post- M = 4 [11]). Qualitative data suggested a positive response to the VR Blue protocol. Significance of results: This work supports the feasibility, acceptability, and safety of VR Blue for advanced colorectal cancer patients. Participants showed significant pre-post improvement in pain and pain-related symptoms hinting to the potential feasibility of VR interventions in this population. Larger, randomized trials with a control condition are needed to examine the efficacy of VR-based interventions for patients with advanced colorectal cancer and pain.