Virtual Reality-Based Education for Patients Undergoing Radiation Therapy.

ABSTRACT: We built a virtual reality (VR) application that runs on a commercially available standalone VR headset that allows patients to view a virtual simulation of themselves receiving radiotherapy. The purpose of this study was to determine if this experience can improve patient understanding of radiotherapy and/or reduce patient anxiety. We created software that reads data from our clinical treatment planning system and renders the plan on a life-size "virtual linear accelerator." The patient's CT simulation data is converted into a 3D translucent virtual human shown lying on the treatment table while visible yellow radiation beams are delivered to the target volumes in the patient. We conducted a prospective study to determine if showing patients their radiotherapy plan in VR improves patient

SUBMITTER: Wang LJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7512212 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature