Virtual reality use and patient outcomes in palliative care: A scoping review

Objective: Virtual reality is increasingly used in healthcare settings. Potentially, it’s use in palliative care could have a positive impact; however, there is limited evidence on the scope, purpose and patient outcomes relating to virtual reality use in this context. The objective of this scoping review is to chart the literature on virtual reality use in palliative care, identifying any evidence relating to biopsychosocial patient outcomes which could support its use in practice. Methods: A scoping review of the literature, involving . a systematic search across 10 electronic bibliographic databases in December 2021, . Eligibility criteria were primary research studies, of any research design within a 10-year timeframe, which reported on virtual reality use and patient outcomes in palliative care. A total of 993 papers were identified, and comprehensive screening resulted in 10 papers for inclusion. Results: This scoping review identified 10 papers addressing virtual reality in palliative care, published within a three-year timeframe 2019–2021. Research methodologies included mixed methods, quantitative and qualitative. The evidence high-lights virtual reality use with patients receiving palliative care in a variety of settings, and data around use ability, feasibility and acceptability is positive. However, the evidence regarding biopsychosocial patient outcomes linked to virtual reality use is limited. Conclusion: Virtual reality is gathering momentum in palliative care and is potentially a helpful intervention; however more research is needed to underpin the evidence base supporting its application, particularly in understanding the impact on biopsychosocial patient outcomes and ascertaining the best approach for measuring intervention effectiveness.