OncoVR - Virtual Reality in Oncology for Patient-centered Care: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Due to significant research efforts in the field of virtual reality (VR) and the increasing interest of the gaming industry, technical possibilities have developed rapidly. VR applications have become more extensive in recent years, with devices becoming more convenient and less complex to handle. The purpose of this review was to summarize the current state of research on the use of VR in oncology and to discuss its potential role in patient-centered care. As a result of technological progress, the benefits of VR have entered the clinical field and are being used in various areas. However, since VR has not yet become part of everyday life, most patients are inexperienced in using these devices. Previous studies have shown that VR applications for oncology patients can improve well-being and reduce stress, anxiety, and nausea during therapy, surgery, and diagnostic procedures. Oncology is particularly well suited for psychological VR applications because cancer can be a potentially traumatic experience with a strong impact on mental health, which in turn can influence therapeutic success. In addition, oncological treatments are usually long-term, making them well suited for studies involving extended VR use. VR represents a promising supportive tool in oncology, particularly for improving psychological well-being and enhancing patient-centered care. Ongoing research suggests that its use may positively influence both the mental state of patients and the overall treatment experience.