Storytelling used in combination to a relaxing virtual reality experience for children with cancer: a feasibility study

Abstract

Objectives: Complementary treatments as a distraction in medical procedures are used in pediatric oncology patients because they are subjected to anxiety and distress. This study examined the feasibility of virtual reality (VR) and storytelling as a distraction and relaxation for children with cancer. Methods: Patients aged 6 to 17 years speaking fluent Turkish, having a diagnosis or recurrence of cancer (with no central nervous system involvement) within a year, and receiving chemotherapy for more than a month, were recruited. Baseline tests were given to children (Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory [PedsQL], Cancer Module and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children) and parents (PedsQL-parent module and Child Behavior Checklist [CBCL]). Participants either received a 7-minute immersive wild dolphin VR session or VR and a 5-minute storytelling before or after the VR session for 4 sessions within a month. Visual analog scales (1-10 for nausea, fatigue, and distress) were used before and after the intervention. Results: Of 39 invited patients, 27 (70%) were interested (11.29 ± 3.55 years old; 48% female). Four patients dropped out of the study due to nausea, fatigue, and/or loss of interest. Fourteen patients were recruited to the storytelling group. Two patients were discharged from the hospital during the study. Forty-nine sessions were completed. Patients reported an average of 0.67 (±1.46), 0.43 (±1.76), and 0.24 (±0.76) points of decrease in their fatigue, distress, and nausea, respectively. Although there has not been an observed change in fatigue ( p = .32) and distress ( p = .32) between the VR-only and storytelling groups, there was a significant decrease in nausea (0.81 vs 2.41; p = .04). The majority of the participants mentioned to like (96%), recommend (92%), and be interested in repeating (80%) the intervention. Conclusions: This study demonstrated the feasibility of combining storytelling with VR as a distraction and relaxation method in decreasing distress, nausea, and fatigue in pediatric oncology patients. The results demonstrated that children adhere to the VR experience with storytelling, and likability of the intervention is high with potential benefits. Further explorations of these techniques may lead to more effective and personalized strategies to support the well-being of these patients.