Ms Mathilde Desselle¹, Dr Lucy Holland², Ms Andrea  McKittrick^1,3, A/Prof Glen  Kennedy³, Dist Prof Patsy  Yates², Dr Jason Brown^1,3

¹Metro North Health, Herston, Australia, ²Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia, ³Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Herston, Australia

Abstract:

Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to co-design and conduct a pilot evaluation of a novel, immersive virtual reality (VR) experience for procedural pain and anxiety in an Australian healthcare setting. The secondary objective was to identify key parametres that can facilitate the development and implementation of VR experiences in clinical practice.

Methods: Two distinct clinical cohorts were considered: adult burns survivors and adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer. A qualitative, Design Box method was used for co-design during focus groups. The focus groups were held with patients with burns and cancer and healthcare professionals from these fields to identify the practical and design parameters required for the application of VR technology within the clinical setting. Results were thematically analyzed and used to inform the development of the VR experience. The VR experience was evaluated and experientially validated by patients and healthcare professionals, who completed qualitative surveys. Thematic analysis was conducted on co-design notes and survey data.

Results: Procedural pain and management was a challenge for both cohorts, but particularly the burns cohort. Anxiety was significant challenge for both cohorts undergoing treatment in hospital. Boredom and quality of life was a significant challenge, particularly for the AYA oncology cohort.  These results informed the development of “A Wonderers Tale”, an Australiana-themed, gaze-controlled VR application for Oculus Quest platforms featuring a storytelling mode and a clinician dashboard. Thematic analysis results suggest that cultural preferences, procedural contexts of use, and agency through customization and interaction are four parametres criteria to consider when creating or selecting VR experiences for application in health.

Significance of results: This work illustrates the benefits of interdisciplinary, co-design approaches that maximize the use of current technologies to improve healthcare approaches that address clinical challenges in pain, anxiety and quality of life for patients while in hospital.

Biography:

Mathilde Desselle is the General Manager for HBI, applying 3D scanning, 3D modelling and 3D printing to medicine at Metro North.  Her research focuses on design for point-of-care innovation and immersive technologies for health.