Thanks to the wonders of virtual reality (VR), Charlie – a patient on Martlets’ inpatient unit – has been on an African safari from the comfort of her ‘cuddle bed’. Despite virtual reality taking off in the worlds of entertainment and sport, its use in healthcare settings is still relatively uncommon. However, research shows that VR can improve patient wellbeing and help alleviate pain and anxiety.
Charlie tells us about the immersive experience that “felt 100% like I was there in Africa”.
“One of the nurses on the inpatient ward has a VR headset at home which she brings in sometimes for patients to use. The headset is a great thing to have for patients here as it means they can still get to experience some amazing trips they might have missed out on.
A life-enhancing experience
I went on an African safari and it was so immersive. I just thought it was absolutely incredible. When you’re in it, it’s literally like you are you are there. I can’t even put into words how much it took my breath away. Like a lot of people, I put together a ‘bucket list’ of things I’d like to do in life and places I’d like to go. Obviously, with a terminal cancer diagnosis I’m not going to get to do all of that now, so this experience was a close second to actually being there. I’d always wanted to go on an African safari – it was a lifelong goal – and something I didn’t think I’d be able to do at this stage, but with the headset I could and it was brilliant.
It was just like the perspective you’d get in real life, from seats on top of a vehicle. We were driving along and stopping to see the elephants and rhinos. Then a bit further along you come to a watering hole where you see all the animals drinking and moving around as they do in their natural habitat. It was phenomenal – I felt 100% like I was there in Africa.
There was another one I chose where I was diving and swimming around a coral reef. There were turtles and dolphins, stingrays, sharks and an octopus. It was just wonderful – so lifelike. I love rollercoasters so I also did a VR version of rollercoaster ride. It was exhilarating, though after that one I had to take the headset off for a bit and relax as I felt as though I’d actually been on the ride!
Nurse Emma and patient Charlie
How virtual reality works
The headset is like a games console. It fits over your eyes and when you move your head your field of vision moves with you. So, you can move through 360 degrees and see all around you in the environment as if you’re there. The headset blocks out the rest of the world around you, so you’re really immersed in the world it creates. I knew virtual reality could be used for entertainment, like gaming and TV, but I’d never considered using it for something like this! The ones I watched were pre-recorded on YouTube and I could choose from a list of different experiences to try. They might be a couple of minutes or much longer – it depends how long you want to immerse yourself in the experience.
Person-centred care
I really hope more people get to try out the VR headset as it’s such an uplifting experience that makes you feel so alive. I think they’ll be amazed at how realistic it is. It’s just one example of how the staff here get to know you and understand what matters to you. Then they find ways of making that happen in whatever way they can.”
Person wearing a VR headset in bed
Other patients have been on their virtual travels too
“I bought the headset a couple of years ago for my own personal use”, says Sheila, the staff nurse on our inpatient unit who owns the device. “But also with the thought that there may be patients that would enjoy it. We often hear patients talk about places they wish they had seen before illness or familiar places they wish they could see again. One lady who loved to travel said she wished she had seen the Northern Lights. I was able to provide a 360 degree experience of the lights from her bed. The excitement and ‘wows‘ were so rewarding for me. Another gentleman was able to ‘return to Ibiza’ and was telling me about the streets he was ‘walking down’ and how he used to visit bars, restaurants and beaches. Another loved orangutans and was able to immerse herself in their habitat.”
Read further stories about our life-changing hospice care:
Christine – who used to be a keen sea swimmer – received care on Martlets’ inpatient unit. She talks about the various ways our staff have offered support.
Jen’s brother Andy was cared for on our inpatient unit in 2021. He died from cancer at the age of 45 and left behind his wife Sally and two young daughters. Here, Jen tells us about the care Andy received from Martlets and the difference it made to their family.
Sue’s sister Margaret was a nurse on Martlets’ inpatient unit (IPU). After becoming ill with terminal cancer, Margaret was cared for in her last days by Martlets on the IPU. Sue shares her story.
Published 26/11/2024