How Is Virtual Reality Being Used in Palliative Care Moving Into 2023?

Palliative care is a type of medical care that focuses on providing relief from the symptoms, pain, and stress of a serious illness. The goal of palliative care is to improve the quality of life for both the patient and their family.

Palliative care can be provided at any stage of a serious illness and can be given alongside curative treatment. It can be provided in various settings, including hospitals, hospice care facilities, nursing homes, and the patient’s home.

Palliative care may include a wide range of services, such as pain and symptom management, emotional and spiritual support for the patient and their family, and help with decision-making about treatment options. Palliative care is provided by a team of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and other specialists.

Virtual reality (VR) technology has been used in palliative care in various ways, such as:

• Providing a sense of control and autonomy: VR can give patients a sense of control over their environment and can allow them to participate in activities that may be difficult or impossible in their current state. For example, VR can allow patients to take virtual walks or participate in virtual art or music therapy sessions.
• Alleviating pain and other symptoms: VR can also be used to distract patients from their pain and other symptoms, such as nausea or anxiety. For example, VR can be used to transport patients to a peaceful beach or a mountain top, which can help to alleviate their discomfort.
• Allowing patients to escape their physical surroundings: VR can allow patients to escape from the hospital or hospice setting and experience a sense of presence in a virtual environment. This can be especially beneficial for patients who may be isolated or bedridden.
• Enhancing communication: VR can also be used to facilitate communication between patients and their loved ones, especially if the patient is unable to physically leave their bedside.
• Providing education and support: VR can be used to provide patients and their families with education about their condition and treatment options, as well as support for coping with the challenges of a terminal illness.

When your aging loved one has been moved to palliative care, it can often be one of the hardest things to face during your time as a caregiver. Using technology to help aid in the process and increase the level of care will continue to grow throughout 2023.