Open AccessVirtual Reality-Based Music Therapy in Palliative Care: A Pilot Implementation Trial
Author(s) -
Adreanne Brungardt,
Angela Wibben,
Amanda Tompkins,
Prajakta Shanbhag,
Heather Coats,
A Blythe LaGasse,
Debra Boeldt,
Jeanie Youngwerth,
Jean S. Kutner,
Hillary D. Lum
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of palliative medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.986
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 1096-6218
pISSN - 1557-7740
DOI - 10.1089/jpm.2020.0403
Subject(s) - usability , medicine , intervention (counseling) , palliative care , virtual reality , music therapy , patient satisfaction , test (biology) , physical therapy , nursing , human–computer interaction , paleontology , computer science , biology
Background: Music therapy (MT) and virtual reality (VR) have shown favorable patient-reported outcomes during serious illness. Objectives: To evaluate implementation measures of feasibility, usability, and acceptability of a VR-based MT intervention. Design: A pilot implementation study of a two-day VR-MT intervention using mixed methods. Patients created a personalized soundtrack with a music therapist, and then paired the soundtrack with a 360° VR environment. Setting/Subjects: Hospitalized patients with palliative care needs. Results: Of 23 patients (ages 20-74 years, 52% women), 17 completed the intervention, including 39% during an intensive care unit stay. Participants scored usability above average. For satisfaction, 53% chose the highest rating. Most participants spoke favorably of VR-MT, describing pleasant emotional and physical responses. Participants provided feedback on length, frequency of use, VR options, and timing of delivery. Conclusion: This VR-MT intervention was feasible, usable, and acceptable for hospitalized palliative care patients. Further study will test VR-MT outcomes.