The Use of Virtual Reality for 3D Diagnostic Imaging Review Enhances Understanding and Education of Patients with Cancer.

Abstract

Patients with cancer can struggle to understand their disease, symptoms, therapy, and treatment-related toxicities with current educational methods. Virtual reality (VR) may more effectively convey this abstract and complex information through interaction and exploration of patient-specific 3-dimensional (3D) rendered volumetric medical diagnostic imaging. This study aimed to assess the impact of VR-based imaging review with patients and their caregivers. This prospective mixed methods study enrolled patients with cancer who were treated with radiation therapy and their caregivers. A total of 38 participants were shown their own diagnostic imaging with 2D-planar views on a computer screen then in 3D using VR. Data were collected with pre- and post-VR Likert-scale questionnaires and interviews. Quantitative data analyzed using Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Interview data were analyzed qualitatively. Patients ranged from 11 to 95 years old. The time from diagnosis to VR was a median of 5 months. Qualitatively participants noted poor comprehension of their disease and treatment with traditional educational approaches. However, they reported VR as a more informative, effective, and easier method to convey this information. Quantitatively patients' and caregivers' self-reported understanding of their disease significantly improved from pre-VR (mean 5.6) to post-VR (mean 9.2; P < .0001; 0 = none, 10 = full). VR was the top-rated educational tool by 83% of participants over all other educational strategies, and 97% preferred reviewing diagnostic imaging in 3D using VR, over 2D on a computer screen. VR led to a higher level of patient-reported understanding over 2D imaging review in every survey domain (P < .0001). VR was recommended by 97% of participants to become standard-of-care. In this prospective mixed methods study, patients and caregivers reported significantly improved understanding using VR-based 3D imaging review compared with currently utilized methods. VR was patients' most preferred and top-rated educational tool. Further study is warranted to optimize the use of VR to improve patients' understanding of their disease and treatment.