The cancer center at Spectrum Health Lakeland in St. Joseph, Mich., is studying how virtual reality devices can calm patients undergoing chemotherapy, according to CBS-affiliate TV station WNEM.
The study began in December 2018 and involves comparing the blood pressure and baseline anxiety level in patients using VR and those not using it.
"It's a moment in time that they're able to focus on something positive or relaxing," said Barbara Schmidtman, PhD, manager of radiation oncology and ambulatory infusion department.
The cancer center's patients have been using VR to relax while undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment since 2016, but researchers are now beginning to document patients' blood pressure and anxiety levels. Staff has received positive feedback from patients.
"Once I saw how patients were reacting to this, it really fueled me from start to finish," said Brendon Beede, the senior project manager. "I knew that I was on to something here."
Mr. Beede discussed one patient who said she would "go to the beach" every day before treatments to curb her anxiety.
"In chemotherapy regimes, [patients] could be locked into their location for [five weeks or greater]," Dr. Schmidtman said. "[The VR headset] really allows patients from a travel perspective to be able to see parts of the world that they haven’t had an opportunity to see."
The researchers hope their study will be published nationwide and help other cancer centers. The study is expected to be completed by the end of January, according to The Herald-Palladium.