Feasibility,Acceptability,and Impact of Using Virtual Reality Social Support for Adolescents Living with Serious Illness

Abstract

Background:

Adolescents living with serious illness have unique developmental and psychosocial needs that require special consideration and care. This population faces an increased risk of isolation, depression, and anxiety. Virtual reality (VR) may provide an opportunity for adolescents living with serious illness to interact with peers, mitigating loneliness.

Objectives:

We evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and potential impact of a VR social support group for adolescents living with serious illness.

Setting/Subjects:

This research took place at a quaternary children’s hospital in Canada. Participants were nine adolescents with serious illness, who attended at least one VR social support group and four of their caregivers.

Measurements:

Interviews took place prior to the first session, then after the first, second, and fifth sessions attended, as well as at three and six months after the first session regardless of the number of sessions attended. At each interview, adolescents completed the UCLA Loneliness Scale, and both adolescents and caregivers answered questions about the adolescents’ experiences using VR.

Results:

We met five of eight a priori criteria for feasibility and acceptability of the intervention. While loneliness scores did not change, the opportunities for social connection and feelings of belonging were evident. Minor technical difficulties with the VR equipment were mostly resolved independently. Attendance varied, primarily due to illness. Feedback showed unanimous support and excitement for continuing and further developing this intervention.

Conclusions:

VR technology is a new platform with promising opportunities for social support for seriously ill adolescents.