Realidad virtual como terapéutica complementaria para pacientes en cuidados paliativos.

Abstract

Introduction: Virtual reality (VR) emerges as an innovative non-pharmacological intervention for symptom management in oncology patients receiving palliative care. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and acceptability of VR as a complementary therapy for pain control and well-being perception in patients with advanced oncological disease at the palliative care unit of SOLCA Hospital – Guayaquil. Methodology: Observational, prospective, cross-sectional, and analytical study. Twenty-six oncology patients in palliative care underwent individual VR sessions using Head-Mounted Display visors. Pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pre and post intervention, and acceptability was measured through a Likert-type perception scale. Results: Mean age was 55.8 ± 14.4 years; 53.8% were male. Among the 8 patients with baseline pain (VAS>0), a mean reduction of 2.25 points was achieved (p=0.011, Wilcoxon test). Overall satisfaction was 28.27/30. No adverse effects were reported. Conclusion: VR is a safe, feasible, and effective intervention for reducing pain and improving well-being in palliative oncology patients.