It was like I was in my own world: -- a qualitative inquiry of patients using virtual reality to mitigate cancer pain

Background : Virtual reality (VR) is a rapidly evolving technology that has been shown to improve pain severity in different disease states, including cancer. To date, VR pain studies have used off-the-shelf products for pain distraction. What are user preferences for VR content to mitigate cancer pain? Objective : Through qualitative inquiry, to explore and understand user preferences for VR distraction therapies to mitigate cancer-related pain. Methods : We conducted semi-structured interviews of 12 patients participating in a VR cancer pain therapy clinical trial. Using a grounded theory approach, emerging themes and subthemes were analyzed to elucidate patient experiences and preferences for VR content. Results : Participants described distinct themes related to VR use, specifically experiences of immersion, distraction, relaxation, and safety. Higher experience of immersion and distraction were associated with improvement in cancer pain severity. Some participants had to adapt to VR technology to use it successfully. Regarding future VR content development, participants voiced preferences for content related to home, childhood, natural environments, and family and friends. Conclusion : Patients associate higher levels of virtual immersion and familiar, natural virtual experiences with successful VR distraction therapy for cancer pain analgesia.