VR Support Group Therapy for Young Cancer Patient

Dr. Asher Marks, an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Yale School of Medicine, understood that support group therapy is essential for the well-being of young cancer patients, as it has been shown to improve survival rates and reduce depression. However, despite his efforts to encourage participation, many of his patients were reluctant to attend in-person support group sessions. They faced several obstacles, including the physical exhaustion associated with traveling to the sessions, a sense of self-consciousness about their condition, and concerns about exposure to infections.

To overcome these challenges and make support groups more accessible, Dr. Marks partnered with Foretell Reality, a subsidiary of The Glimpse Group, to develop a novel virtual reality (VR) application aimed at delivering support group therapy in a virtual environment. This VR app provided patients with VR headsets that allowed them to join virtual support group sessions from the comfort of their homes. Within this virtual space, patients could interact with each other and with a social worker through avatars, which offered a level of anonymity and comfort that traditional video calls could not provide.

The VR solution addressed the physical and emotional barriers of in-person meetings by allowing patients to participate in therapy sessions without the need for travel or the fear of infection. This innovative approach not only facilitated meaningful interactions among patients but also created a supportive community where they could share experiences and receive emotional support.

The impact of this VR-based support group therapy was substantial. Dr. Marks observed a significant 70% increase in attendance rates, coupled with notable reductions in patient anxiety and depression. The success of this VR initiative demonstrated its effectiveness in expanding access to support services for young cancer patients, especially for those who are geographically isolated or dealing with severe health challenges. This case highlights how VR technology can be leveraged in the healthcare industry to offer new and effective solutions for patient care and support.