Authors (including presenting author) :
Woo KL (1)(2), Mok KW (2), Deepa SN (2)
Affiliation :
(1) Department of Clinical Psychology, Shatin Hospital (2) Palliative Care, Shatin Hospital
Introduction :
In hospital palliative care units, managing symptoms and providing psychological support to terminal cancer patients are significant challenges. Despite evidenced-based pharmaceutical and psychological approach, there remains unresolved pains and symptoms. Virtual Reality (VR), an advanced human-computer interaction technology, offers immersive experiences that can provide innovative alternative in symptom management. Recent studies highlight VR’s potential to improve quality of life in palliative care. However, the mechanisms underlying its effects are not fully understood. Flow, a psychological state of deep engagement and focus, may mediate the therapeutic benefits of VR. By exploring the role of flow, this study aims to advance the integration of VR interventions into hospital-based palliative care practices.
Objectives :
This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a VR-based psychological intervention in alleviating symptoms in terminal cancer patients compared to standard psychological care. The study also examined the mediating role of flow in symptom improvement, providing insights into the application of VR in hospital settings.
Methodology :
A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 120 terminal cancer patients in a palliative care unit. Participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group receiving VR psychological intervention or a control group receiving routine psychological intervention. Symptom severity was measured using the Chinese Edmonton Symptom Assessment System, and flow states were assessed using the Flow Short Scale. ANCOVA was performed to compare groups, and mediation analysis was used to examine flow’s role in symptom improvement.
Result & Outcome :
Patients in the VR group showed significantly greater symptom relief compared to the control group (F(1,105) = 25.2, p < .001). Mediation analysis revealed that flow significantly mediated symptom improvement, with significant total (β = -.21, t = -4.97, p < .001), direct (β = -.17, t = -4.02, p < .001), and indirect effects (β = -0.04, t = -.86, p = .03). Conclusions: This study is the first randomized controlled trial to evaluate VR psychological intervention in hospital-based palliative care and the mediating role of flow in symptom management. The findings support VR’s integration into palliative care practices as an innovative tool for improving patient outcomes and the flow state mediating symptom improvement.
