“The Experience of the Two of Us”: Use of Virtual Reality Glasses in Peripheral Intravenous Catheter Delivery to Advanced Cancer Patients

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine nurses' and patients' experiences with the use of virtual reality glasses during peripheral intravenous catheterization in advanced cancer patients. Material and Methods: Descriptive qualitative research method was used in the study. Participants were advanced cancer patients (n=12) and their caregivers (n=12) receiving inpatient care at a university oncology hospital in a province of Turkey between July and August 2024. Data were collected using the “Descriptive Characteristics Form” and “Semi-structured Interview Form”. Individual interviews lasting approximately 30 minutes were conducted with those who agreed to participate in the study (15 min. patient, 15 min. nurse). The interviews were recorded with the consent of the participants. Braun and Clarke's method and MAXQDA 2022 software were used to analyze the data. Results: Three categories were identified for the experiences of the nurses and patients: (1) Feelings of the patient in the use of virtual reality glasses, (2) Intravenous access to the patient using virtual reality glasses, (3) Suggestions for the use of virtual reality glasses. Conclusion: The study revealed that advanced cancer patients exhibited positive sentiments when utilizing virtual reality glasses during an invasive procedure. Similarly, nurses reported feelings of comfort and positivity during the invasive intervention. It is recommended that virtual reality glasses be utilized during invasive procedures for advanced cancer patients.