Effects of Virtual Reality on Pain, Stress, and Affect in an Outpatient Chemotherapy Infusion Clinic: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND: Virtual reality (VR) is a useful therapeutic tool in various patient populations. Patients with cancer may benefit from VR during chemotherapy to address concerns like negative affect, stress, and physical side effects. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of VR on pain, stress, and affect in patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy. METHODS: Ninety patients were randomized into control and study groups. The study group received a 12-minute VR session while undergoing chemotherapy. Participants took surveys measuring stress, pain, affect, cybersickness, and satisfaction, and heart rates were measured before and halfway through. FINDINGS: There were statistically significant decreases in stress and pain among patients using VR. Positive affect was significantly elevated, and negative affect was significantly reduced. Heart rate measurements indicated reduced stress. Most patients reported high satisfaction with VR and experienced no feelings of cybersickness.