Death is perhaps the most shocking experience a human being can face. Physical pain is intertwined with existential anguish, and anxiety about the unknown devours serenity. In this delicate passage, palliative care tries to bring relief to the patient and his loved ones, but often the drugs are not enough or have unwanted side effects. Is there another way to relieve suffering without resorting to chemistry? To give those who are about to leave moments of peace, joy and escape? The answer could come from virtual reality, an immersive technology that is attracting the attention of researchers and doctors.
The power of virtual reality to soothe suffering
John Alexander Moreno, neuropsychologist and professor in the Department of Psychology at the Université de Montréal, decided to explore the potential of virtual reality as a non-pharmacological tool to relieve pain and anxiety in patients undergoing palliative care. The idea was born from the desire to offer holistic relief to those who find themselves facing the most delicate phase of their existence.
Virtual reality viewers allow you to immerse yourself in increasingly realistic visual and auditory experiences, already appreciated in the treatment of social anxiety disorders. The devices tested in this study will transport the user to scenarios far from their suffering condition. Which ones? A sunny beach in Mexico. A bustling market in Reykjavik, a sparkling lake in Quebec, a string quartet playing Bach. These are just some of the virtual destinations that patients will be able to explore, enjoying moments of relaxation, discovery and escape.
A pioneering study to test “virtual” palliative care
To verify the actual impact of virtual reality on the well-being of terminally ill patients, Moreno is preparing to conduct a pioneering study at the palliative care unit of Hôpital Notre Dame in Montréal. Participants will be immersed in 360-degree videos, created in collaboration with Guillermo Lopez Pérez, director and founder of Nipper Media, a company specialized in creating content for virtual reality. Before and after the immersive experience, patients' pain and anxiety levels will be measured in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention. The hypothesis is that virtual reality can offer significant relief, allowing sufferers to distract themselves from their condition and enjoy moments of serenity and fun.
But the potential benefits of virtual reality are not limited to palliative care patients. Moreno hypothesizes that this technology could also be of support for family members who accompany their loved ones at the end of life. In fact, they too find themselves facing intense and overwhelming emotions, having to deal with the imminent loss of a loved one. For this reason, the study foresees that family members can also wear a headset and share the virtual experience with the patient. Also in this case, anxiety levels will be measured before and after the intervention, in the hope that virtual reality can alleviate the emotional burden of this delicate passage, promoting acceptance and preparation for mourning.
Towards a holistic approach to end-of-life care
The use of virtual reality in palliative care represents a step towards an increasingly holistic and multidisciplinary approach to the end of life. Alongside pharmacological therapies, essential for controlling pain and symptoms, there are non-pharmacological interventions aimed at promoting the psychological, spiritual and existential well-being of the patient. The possibility of escaping (albeit virtually) from one's condition of suffering, of exploring wonderful places and of living fulfilling experiences can contribute to making the last stretch of life more serene and dignified. And sharing these moments with your loved ones can strengthen emotional bonds, creating other precious memories to keep in your heart.
If the promises of this study are kept, we will be able to imagine a future in which virtual reality viewers will become an integral part of palliative care, offering patients and families an additional tool to face the mystery of death with serenity and awareness. A technological embrace that soothes suffering and offers moments of wonder, at a time when every moment becomes precious like never before. It will be one of the ways in which technology does a good job, putting itself at the service of human dignity.
