Virtual Reality as an Adjunct in Management of Pain and Anxiety in the Palliative Care Setting

Award Date: 2019

Project Lead(s): Stefan Riel

Project Title: Virtual Reality as an Adjunct in Management of Pain and Anxiety in the Palliative Care Setting

This project explores virtual reality (VR) as an additional treatment option in a palliative care setting to divert medications (such as benzodiazepines and opioids) in order to prevent cognitive deterioration near the end of life. Adding VR as an additional treatment option for pain and anxiety may decrease the medication necessary (reducing risk of delirium, falls, and confusion) and increase older adults’ chances of having an overall increase in quality of life during their final days.