The USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center in Los Angeles has partnered with a nonprofit to bring virtual reality to patients in its Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer program to take patients' minds off treatment, according to a USC News report.
In the three-month pilot program, launching this fall, Springbok Cares will provide the VR equipment and USC staff will supervise use to ensure patient safety.
"In addition to an enriched patient experience, the Virtual Reality Patient Initiative may provide tangible clinical benefits to our young cancer patients," said James Hu, MD, co-director of the Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer program at USC. According to USC News, cancer patients who use VR have improved emotional well-being.
"VR technology's ability to virtually transport a patient out of the confinement of a hospital bed or chemotherapy session is not only beneficial, but critical for a positive patient experience," said Steven-Charles Jafee, COO of Springbok Entertainment.