RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Virtual Reality Within Palliative Care (VR-SPC)

The VR-SPC study explores how virtual reality (VR) can support people receiving palliative care, focusing on improving their wellbeing and helping them achieve important personal goals. We know VR is generally well-liked in this setting, but this study aims to understand how truly effective it is, especially when sessions are repeated or when patients share the experience with a family member or friend. Participants use a VR headset to immerse themselves in different digital worlds. We'll ask them about their goals for using VR, track how they feel before and after sessions, and hold follow-up chats to understand their overall experience. The study takes place at a hospice in England and hopes to show if VR can make a real difference for patients and their companions.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Lincoln

Enrolment target

Start

13 Aug 2025

Estimated completion

28 Feb 2026

Palliative Care Virtual Reality Wellbeing

What is this study about?

This study, called Virtual Reality Within Palliative Care (VR-SPC), is looking into how virtual reality (VR) can be helpful for people receiving palliative care. Palliative care supports individuals who are living with a serious illness, focusing on improving their quality of life. Sometimes, people in palliative care might feel down or wish they could do things they can no longer do physically. VR offers a way to experience different places and activities without leaving their room.

The main idea behind this study is to see if using a VR headset, which lets you step into a digital world, can genuinely help patients feel better, improve their mood, and even achieve personal goals that are important to them. These goals could be anything from relaxing in a calming natural scene to experiencing something from a 'bucket list' they might have. We also want to understand if sharing the VR experience with a family member or friend (a 'companion') makes it even better. The study will carefully collect information on how people feel throughout the process to understand the true benefits.

By understanding how VR affects patients and their companions, this research aims to provide valuable information to hospices and healthcare providers. The results will help decide if VR should be offered more widely as a way to improve care, bring some joy, and maintain a sense of purpose for people during a challenging time. This work will also contribute to a doctoral thesis at the University of Lincoln, helping to train future experts in this area.

Key takeaways

Exploring if VR can improve wellbeing for people in palliative care.
Opportunity to achieve personal goals like relaxation or 'bucket list' experiences.
Up to three VR sessions, with options for a family member/friend to join.
Study involves questionnaires and talking about your experiences.
Your participation is voluntary and you can withdraw at any time.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult (18 years or older) currently receiving specialist palliative care at the hospice where the study is taking place. This means you might be staying at the hospice or visiting as an outpatient. It's important that your care team believes you are well enough and willing to try VR, and that you are able to understand what the study involves and agree to take part. The research team and a clinical psychologist will be there to help assess this.

If you have a companion (like a family member or friend) who wants to join you in the VR sessions, they also need to be an adult (18 or older) and able to travel to the hospice. They also need to be willing to try VR and understand and agree to take part in the study.

However, this study may not be suitable for everyone. If you're unable to agree to take part in research, or if your care team has concerns because of certain health conditions like severe eyesight problems, epilepsy, or dementia, then unfortunately you wouldn't be able to join this particular study. This is to ensure your safety and comfort.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years or older?
Are you receiving specialist palliative care at the study hospice?
Are you generally well enough and willing to try virtual reality?
Are you able to understand and agree to take part in research?
If a companion joins, are they also 18+ and able to come to the hospice?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll first get a detailed information sheet to help you understand everything. If you're happy to proceed, you'll be asked to give your consent to join. We'll chat about your personal goals for using VR and ask you to complete some questionnaires about your mental health and wellbeing at the very start.

You'll then have up to three VR sessions. Before and after each session, you'll complete brief questionnaires to track how you're feeling and how you're progressing towards your goals. About one to four weeks after your final VR session, there will be a follow-up interview where you can talk about your overall experience with VR, and you'll complete some final questionnaires. If your companion joins you, they'll also need to give consent and complete questionnaires and attend interviews about their experience. The total duration of your active participation will be around four weeks, plus the follow-up interview.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer several benefits, such as a chance to relax, experience new places, or achieve personal goals that improve your wellbeing and mood. While VR is generally safe, some people might feel a little dizzy or disoriented during or after using the headset, similar to feeling motion sickness. The study team will be there to support you, and you are free to stop participating at any time for any reason, without it affecting your care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

University of Lincoln
Verified postcode
Lincoln, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is Virtual Reality (VR)?

VR is a technology that uses a special headset to make you feel like you're in a different, digital world, offering new sights and sounds.

What kind of activities can I do in VR?

You can experience many things, from relaxing in nature to visiting places you've always wanted to see, chosen based on your personal goals.

Will using VR cure my illness?

No, this study isn't about curing illnesses. It's about seeing if VR can improve your wellbeing, mood, and help you achieve personal goals while you're receiving palliative care.

Can my family member join me?

Yes, if they are also over 18, willing to participate, and agree to the study requirements, they can join you for some VR sessions.

What if I feel uncomfortable during a VR session?

You can take off the headset or stop the session at any time. Your comfort and safety are the most important things.

How to find out more

Nima Professor Moghaddam

NMoghaddam@lincoln.ac.uk 01522 882000 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.