Queen Elizabeth Hospital therapists use VR to aid palliative care patients

Occupational therapists at Queen Elizabeth Hospital have launched an initiative using virtual reality (VR) technology to provide comfort to terminally ill patients in palliative care wards. Two therapists, Lai Siu-wai and Yeung Po-suen, have been using their personal time to film 360-degree videos of locations significant to patients, such as former homes or favorite scenic spots.

These videos are viewed by patients via handmade cardboard VR goggles while in their hospital beds. To date, more than 20 patients have benefited from the service. An analysis of 15 patients showed that the experience led to an average decrease of 1.5 points in pain indices and 1.7 points in anxiety symptom scores.

Department manager Lei Nga-fong noted that the service aims to provide psychological solace to both patients and their families. The team is currently exploring ways to make the service permanent and potentially expand it to intensive care units and other long-term bedridden patients.