Misconceptions and fear of separation during radiotherapy can be stressful for both parent and child. In some instances, sedation is required to enable precision radiotherapy delivery. This collaboration between the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Murdoch Children’s Research Institute aims to reduce anxiety and sedation requirement- whilst improving health literacy- through the introduction of a virtual reality (VR) intervention for children and their carers prior to paediatric radiotherapy.
Recruitment commenced in May 2018, with 50 children and their carer/s anticipated to take part. Children and their carer/s are asked to complete anxiety questionnaires and health literacy assessment (child only) at multiple time-points; pre and post VR-intervention, where the patient is exposed to their upcoming CT simulation (day 1); pre and post VR-intervention, where the patient is exposed to radiation treatment procedures (~day 2-4); and immediately preceding their first radiotherapy (~day 14). VR experiences are taken home between appointments to share with support networks.
The primary outcome will compare general anaesthesia requirement between those exposed to the VR-intervention, and a historical control group who received standard care. Secondary outcomes examine changes to child and parent anxiety, and child health literacy following VR. User feedback will be examined to improve future VR iterations. This novel application of VR provides an exciting platform to revolutionise paediatric radiotherapy provision. The results of this study will inform the implementation of VR into routine clinical practice, with the potential to improve clinical and operational outcomes.