Intermountain Health Lutheran Hospital – VR Experience Program

According to CDPHE, approximately 21,000 people are newly diagnosed with cancer each year. When cancer is found, individualized cancer treatment programs are designed to include the most appropriate and comprehensive care. Cancer treatments can be a long and frightening process for patients, which is why Intermountain Health Lutheran Hospital implemented the Virtual Reality Experience Program (VREP) for cancer patients. 

The VREP, in partnership with a third party vendor, was launched to increase comfort and reduce the anxiety of patients undergoing cancer treatment.  The VREP is available for patients receiving longer treatments (4-6 hours) and for those who have a high anxiety level. Upon arriving for treatment, the patient can request VREP and will receive instruction on how to access the virtual experience via a headset and disposable earbuds. The VREP includes six adventures such as horseback riding, hiking, paddle boarding, river rafting, and more.

Patients have embraced the program and health care workers have noted a decrease in anxiety during treatments, as well as smiles from their patients as they experience their virtual adventure. Patients have also commented on how nice it has been to focus on something pleasant during long treatments. 

To learn more about the Virtual Reality Experience Program, please contact Janette O’Brien, Oncology Program Coordinator at [email protected].