Virtual Reality for Hospice Care

Overseen By Jason Thrift, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Prisma Health-Upstate

Disqualifiers: Cognitive impairment, Seizures, Motion sickness, Claustrophobia, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how virtual reality (VR) can assist hospice patients and their caregivers during end-of-life transitions. It employs immersive nature-based VR experiences to determine if they can reduce stress and improve well-being for both groups. Participants will select from a library of 360-degree VR experiences and enjoy them together using a VR headset. The trial uses Tandem VR, a specific program designed for this purpose. Suitable candidates are English-speaking hospice patients with a life expectancy of less than six months, who are mentally sharp and do not have conditions that interfere with VR use. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to explore innovative ways to enhance quality of life during end-of-life care.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your healthcare provider.

What prior data suggests that this virtual reality experience is safe for hospice care?

Research has shown that nature-based virtual reality (VR) can be a helpful tool in hospice care. Studies have found that VR can reduce anxiety in patients with serious illnesses, which is crucial because anxiety is common in end-of-life care.

The Tandem VR experience is designed for both patients and caregivers. They wear headsets to explore peaceful nature scenes together, which might provide emotional support. So far, hospice settings have received VR well, with no major safety issues reported.

Overall, while VR is still new in this area, early research suggests it is safe and beneficial. Those considering joining a trial might find it a comforting way to enjoy nature from home. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Tandem VR experience for hospice care because it offers a novel and immersive way to enhance the well-being of patients and caregivers. Unlike traditional methods like medication or talk therapy, which focus on alleviating physical symptoms or emotional stress through conventional means, this approach uses virtual reality to transport users to calming, nature-based environments. This technique could provide a unique form of relief by engaging patients and their caregivers in a shared, soothing experience, potentially reducing stress and improving mood in just 5-15 minutes. By offering a safe and engaging alternative to standard care, Tandem VR aims to enrich hospice care with an innovative use of technology.

What evidence suggests that this virtual reality experience is effective for hospice care?

Research has shown that Tandem VR, which participants in this trial will experience, uses nature-themed virtual reality experiences to improve quality of life, reduce pain, and ease fear of death for patients in end-of-life care. Studies have found that VR can help with many symptoms and usually has few side effects. Patients often find VR more effective when it includes places they have visited before, although it can sometimes evoke feelings of sadness. The potential of VR in palliative care is promising, but more research is needed to fully understand its benefits. Overall, Tandem VR offers a non-drug option that may support patients and caregivers during difficult end-of-life transitions. ^{1 6 7 8 9}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Joshua K Pope

Principal Investigator

Prisma Health Hospice of the Foothills

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for hospice patients experiencing end-of-life transitions and their caregivers. It aims to help with anxiety, pain, and psychological distress using a non-drug approach.

Inclusion Criteria

Projected life expectancy of <6 months (established by hospice experts)

I am mentally sharp and can make decisions for myself.

English speaking

Exclusion Criteria

Patients with motion sickness

Patients with claustrophobia

I have a cognitive condition that might affect my participation in the study.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Tandem VR Intervention

Patient-caregiver dyads experience a personalized nature-based or other outdoor VR experience lasting 5-15 minutes

1 session

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in fear of death, quality of life, and perception of pain

Up to 12 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Tandem VR

Trial Overview The study tests Tandem Virtual Reality experiences that simulate nature settings. Patients and caregivers use VR headsets together to see if it helps ease the emotional challenges of end-of-life care.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Tandem Virtual Reality Experience Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Tandem VR Intervention After the surveys are completed, the researchers will share a personalized library of immersive, nature-based, 360-degree VR experiences for the participant-caregiver dyads to choose from based on their VR Intake Form. Once the dyad has determined their desired Tandem VR experience from the library, the researchers will assist the dyads in donning the VR head mounted display (HMD). The researchers will ensure the safety of both dyads while using the HMDs. The researchers will then initiate the Tandem VR experience. The duration of the Tandem VR experience will be 5-15 minutes.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Prisma Health-Upstate

Lead Sponsor

Trials

91

Recruited

47,500+

Clemson University

Collaborator

Trials

38

Recruited

8,200+

Citations

1. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2451865424000656

The Tandem VR™ protocol: Synchronized nature-based ... We propose Tandem VR TM as an effective non-pharmacologic treatment for improving QOL, pain, and fear of death at EOL for dyads. 2.4. Unique hospice ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9319274/

Virtual Reality in Palliative Care: A Systematic Review - PMC Conclusions: VR shows promise in palliative care and generally addresses a range of symptoms with few adverse effects. Future research should consist of ...

3. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2949761224000762

Virtual Reality Videos for Symptom Management in ... Virtual reality experiences appear more effective when patients visit and recall places they have been before, although sometimes patients report feeling sad ...

4. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9248003/

How effective is virtual reality technology in palliative care? A ... The efficacy of virtual reality for people living with a terminal illness is unclear. To determine the feasibility and effectiveness of virtual reality use ...

5. bmcpalliatcare.biomedcentral.com bmcpalliatcare.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12904-024-01520-5

a meta-synthesis of qualitative studies - BMC Palliative Care This review of qualitative evidence aimed to explore the experiences and perceptions of patients receiving VR therapy in palliative care.

6. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39045392/

The Tandem VR™ protocol: Synchronized nature-based ... Our study uses the synchronized Tandem VR TM approach where patient-caregiver dyads experience immersive nature-based and other outdoor VR content.

7. ctv.veeva.com ctv.veeva.com/study/tandem-vr-synchronized-nature-based-experiences-in-virtual-reality-for-hospice-patients-and-their-c

Tandem VR: Synchronized Nature-Based Experiences in ... Tandem VR: Synchronized Nature-Based Experiences in Virtual Reality for Hospice Patients and Their Caregivers. P. Prisma Health-Upstate. Status.

8. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11728091/

A Systematic Review of Virtual Reality's Impact on Anxiety ... Background: Virtual Reality (VR) is an emerging non-pharmacological treatment for anxiety in palliative care patients.

9. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/374698131_A_Rapid_Review_of_the_Role_of_Virtual_Reality_in_Care_Delivery_of_Palliative_Care_and_Hospice

A Rapid Review of the Role of Virtual Reality in Care ... Virtual reality (VR) is an emerging technology that can provide a nonpharmacological approach to symptom management for those with serious illnesses.