‘Godrevy Project’: virtual reality for symptom control and well-being in oncology and palliative care – a non-randomised pre-post interventional trial

Abstract

Objective The ‘Godrevy Project’ is an interventional trial designed to determine the effectiveness of immersive virtual reality (VR) on the holistic symptom control and well-being in oncology and palliative care patients. The primary objective of this study was to determine whether VR changed the revised Edmonton Symptom and Assessment System (ESAS-r) score representing an effective improvement in symptom control and well-being.Methods and analysis This study reports on 60 participants recruited from hospital inpatient oncology and palliative care lists, to participate in an unblinded, VR intervention. Participants were included aged >18 years with a diagnosis of cancer, receiving inpatient treatment of systemic anticancer therapy. Impact evaluation on symptoms was measured using the ESAS-r pre-VR and post-VR intervention. For ethical reasons, participants were not randomised.Results From the 60 inpatients recruited, 58 participants were included for analysis. Participants recruited were aged 19–84 years with female (58%) and male (42%) participation. The primary outcome of the study demonstrated significant improvement in ESAS-r scores for symptoms and well-being. Total ESAS-r scores showed an improvement of 42% compared with baseline, with well-being ESAS-r scores improving 51%. The most common side effect was drowsiness. There were no adverse events related to study participation.Conclusion The ‘Godrevy Project’ successfully demonstrates the feasible, effective use of VR on symptom control and well-being in oncology and palliative care patients. This study demonstrates VR as an effective, patient controlled, non-pharmacological intervention without significant side effects. This interventional trial is well placed to support future research and improve clinical practice.Trial registration number NCT04821466.