Bibliographic Details
| Title: |
Using Virtual Reality in a Rehabilitation Program for Patients With Breast Cancer: Phenomenological Study |
| Authors: |
Shih-Chung Wu, Chia-Wen Chuang, Wen-Chun Liao, Chung-Fang Li, Hsin-Hsin Shih |
| Source: |
JMIR Serious Games, Vol 12, Pp e44025-e44025 (2024) |
| Publisher Information: |
JMIR Publications, 2024. |
| Publication Year: |
2024 |
| Collection: |
LCC:Information technology
LCC:Public aspects of medicine |
| Subject Terms: |
Information technology, T58.5-58.64, Public aspects of medicine, RA1-1270 |
| More Details: |
Abstract BackgroundSurgery is an essential treatment for early-stage breast cancer. However, various side effects of breast cancer surgery, such as arm dysfunction and lymphedema, remain causes for concern. Rehabilitation exercises to prevent such side effects should be initiated within 24 hours after surgery. Virtual reality (VR) can assist the process of rehabilitation; however, the feasibility of applying VR for rehabilitation must be explored, in addition to experiences of this application. ObjectiveThis study explored patients’ attitudes toward and experiences of using VR for their rehabilitation to determine the feasibility of such VR use and to identify potential barriers. MethodsA phenomenological qualitative study was conducted from September to December 2021. A total of 18 patients with breast cancer who had undergone surgical treatment were interviewed using open-ended questions. The Colaizzi 7-step procedure for phenomenological analysis was used for data analysis. To ensure high study reliability, this study followed previously reported quality criteria for trustworthiness. ResultsThree themes were identified: (1) VR was powerful in facilitating rehabilitation, (2) early and repetitive upper limb movements were an advantage of VR rehabilitation, and (3) extensive VR use had challenges to be overcome. Most of the interviewed patients reported positive experiences of using VR for rehabilitation. Specifically, VR helped these patients identify appropriate motion and angle limits while exercising; in other words, knowledge gained through VR can play a key role in the rehabilitation process. In addition, the patients reported that the use of VR provided them company, similar to when a physiotherapist is present. Finally, the gamified nature of the VR system seemed to make VR-based rehabilitation more engaging than traditional rehabilitation, particularly with respect to early rehabilitation; however, the high cost of VR equipment made VR-based rehabilitation difficult to implement at home. ConclusionsThe interviewed patients with breast cancer had positive experiences in using VR for rehabilitation. The high cost of both VR equipment and software development presents a challenge for applying VR-based rehabilitation. |
| Document Type: |
article |
| File Description: |
electronic resource |
| Language: |
English |
| ISSN: |
2291-9279 |
| Relation: |
https://games.jmir.org/2024/1/e44025; https://doaj.org/toc/2291-9279 |
| DOI: |
10.2196/44025 |
| Access URL: |
https://doaj.org/article/7b956ba819db4b01a4228460cff3d814 |
| Accession Number: |
edsdoj.7b956ba819db4b01a4228460cff3d814 |
| Database: |
Directory of Open Access Journals |
