Using Virtual Reality to improve patient experiences with funding from Unite in the Fight

A hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), sometimes called a bone marrow transplant, is when a patient is administered healthy hematopoietic stem cells. This transplant can be to treat blood cancers or disorders such as leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, sickle cell anemia, or bone marrow failures.

Patients who undergo HSCT often experience side effects like mucositis, nausea, vomiting, depression, and poor appetite, that can affect their overall health. Recent studies have shown a product that can help reduce these symptoms and improve a patient’s quality of life: Virtual Reality.

“Studies have shown the use of virtual reality (VR) technologies are a low-cost, non-pharmacological intervention effective at improving symptoms and reducing anxiety in patients with hematological malignancies and those undergoing HSCT said Sarah Jimenez, DNP.

Jimenez, along with Stephanie Daniels PA-C; Melanie Dobbs MSN, ANP-BC, AOCNP; Cassandra Brown MSN, FNP-BC, AGACNP-BC; Lauren Bigham, PhD; and Vamsi Kota, MD, submitted their program ‘Improving Quality of Life and Symptom Management with Virtual Reality in Patients Admitted for Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation’ to Unite for funding.

Unite in the Fight Against Cancer is an annual community celebration honoring all who have been affected by this disease, while raising funds for patient-centered programs. This program, along with 12 others, was selected to receive funding.

With this funding, they will be able to purchase VR headsets along with mediation or mindfulness applications for adult HSCT patients to use. During their hospital stay, they will use the devices twice daily, no longer than 20 minutes for each sessions. Patients will complete a pre/post symptom assessment survey and depression screening assessment upon admission and will repeat the screening on the day of their discharge. The data gathered will be used to determine if VR was an effective treatment method and if so, how to implement  it further  in other patient populations.

If you would like to learn more about this program, follow us on Facebook to be kept up to date on it and the other programs funded by Unite in the Fight Against Cancer. Unite in the Fight Against Cancer will be held on May 3rd 2025. You can find more information by visiting our website and Facebook event page. We encourage all to join us in the fight against cancer.