The Tandem VR™ protocol: Synchronized nature-based and other outdoor experiences in virtual reality for hospice patients and their caregivers

O. McAnirlin; J. Thrift; F. Li; J.K. Pope; M.H.E.M. Browning; P.P. Moutogiannis; G. Thomas; E. Farrell; M.M. Evatt; T. Fasolino

Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications (Aug 2024)

The Tandem VR™ protocol: Synchronized nature-based and other outdoor experiences in virtual reality for hospice patients and their caregivers

O. McAnirlin,
J. Thrift,
F. Li,
J.K. Pope,
M.H.E.M. Browning,
P.P. Moutogiannis,
G. Thomas,
E. Farrell,
M.M. Evatt,
T. Fasolino

Affiliations

O. McAnirlin: Virtual Reality and Nature Lab, Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, Clemson University, 170 Sirrine Hall, 515 Calhoun Dr, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA; Corresponding author. 170 Sirrine Hall, 515 Calhoun Dr., Clemson, SC, 29634, USA.
J. Thrift: School of Nursing, Clemson University, 605 Grove Road, Greenville, SC, 29605, USA; Virtual Reality and Nature Lab, Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, Clemson University, 170 Sirrine Hall, 515 Calhoun Dr, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA
F. Li: Virtual Reality and Nature Lab, Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, Clemson University, 170 Sirrine Hall, 515 Calhoun Dr, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA
J.K. Pope: Hospice of the Foothills, Prisma Health System, 701 Grove Rd., Greenville, SC, 29605, USA
M.H.E.M. Browning: Virtual Reality and Nature Lab, Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, Clemson University, 170 Sirrine Hall, 515 Calhoun Dr, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA
P.P. Moutogiannis: Palliative Medicine, Prisma Health System, 701 Grove Rd., Greenville, SC, 29605, USA
G. Thomas: Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, Clemson University, D153 Poole Agricultural Center, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA
E. Farrell: School of Nursing, Clemson University, 414 Edwards Hall, Epsilon Zeta Dr., Clemson, SC, 29634, USA
M.M. Evatt: Medical Student (M2), University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, 607 Grove Rd, Greenville, SC, 29605, USA
T. Fasolino: School of Nursing, Clemson University, 414 Edwards Hall, Epsilon Zeta Dr., Clemson, SC, 29634, USA

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 40
p. 101318

Abstract

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Background: Nature-based and other outdoor virtual reality (VR) experiences in head-mounted displays (HMDs) offer powerful, non-pharmacological tools for hospice teams to help patients undergoing end-of-life (EOL) transitions. However, the psychological distress of the patient-caregiver dyad is interconnected and highlights the interdependence and responsiveness to distress as a unit. Hospice care services and healthcare need strategies to help patients and informal caregivers with EOL transitions. Methods: Our study uses the synchronized Tandem VR TM approach where patient-caregiver dyads experience immersive nature-based and other outdoor VR content. This mixed methods study will recruit 20 patient-caregiver dyads (N = 40) enrolled in home hospice services nearing EOL. Dyads will experience a personalized nature-based and other outdoor VR experience lasting 5–15 min. Self-reported questionnaires and semi-structured interviews will be collected pre/post the VR intervention to identify the impacts of Tandem VR TM experiences on the QOL, pain, and fear of death in patient-caregiver dyads enrolled with hospice services. Additionally, this protocol will determine the acceptance of Tandem VR TM experiences by dyads as a non-pharmacological modality for addressing patient and caregiver needs. Acceptance will be quantified by the number of dyads accepting or declining the VR experience during recruitment. Discussion: Using personalized, nature-based and other outdoor VR content, the patient-caregiver dyads can simultaneously engage in an immersive encounter may help alleviate symptoms associated with declining health and EOL phases for the patient and the often overburdened caregiver. This protocol focuses on meeting the need for person-centered, non-pharmacological interventions to reduce physical, psychological, and spiritual distress. Trial registration: NCT06186960.

Published in Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications

ISSN: 2451-8654 (Online)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: United States
LCC subjects: Medicine: Medicine (General)
Website: https://www.journals.elsevier.com/contemporary-clinical-trials-communications/

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