Chemotherapy Unveiled

Chemotherapy Unveiled is an immersive 360-degree virtual reality experience designed to demystify the chemotherapy process for patients and caregivers. Instead of relying solely on dense brochures or brief conversations with medical staff, this project provides a clear and approachable walkthrough of a first chemotherapy session—offering clarity, comfort, and a sense of control before treatment begins.

In this guided experience, users follow a fictional patient from arrival at the clinic to the end of their infusion. Along the way, they meet real oncology nurses, tour the facility, and gain insight into each step of the process. Interactive text overlays and contextual sidecards identify key equipment like IV pumps, chemo ports, and monitors, while summarizing essential information—such as nurse advice on hydration, side effect management, and emotional preparation.

To build trust and familiarity, the simulation introduces staff by name, giving faces and roles to the care team patients are likely to encounter. By watching this journey from the comfort of home, users can better understand what to expect, develop a shared language with caregivers, and reduce uncertainty.

A mixed-methods research study conducted in collaboration with the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine confirmed the impact of this experience. Among over 250 participants, those who viewed the VR content showed a statistically significant reduction in anxiety and an increased understanding of the chemotherapy process.

This project is supported by growing research on the effectiveness of virtual reality in healthcare settings. VR has been shown to reduce procedural anxiety and improve information retention in both patients and caregivers:

• Chirico, A. et al. (2016). Virtual Reality in Health System: Beyond Entertainment. Journal of Cellular Physiology, 231(2), 275–287.

• Palma, E. & Romano, D. M. (2020). The Use of Virtual Reality in Enhancing Interdisciplinary Research and Education: A Case Study in Cancer Management. Education Sciences, 10(6), 167.

• Kyaw, B. M. et al. (2019). Virtual Reality for Health Professions Education: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 21(1), e12959.