Patient Perceptions of Virtual Reality in Cancer Rehabilitation: A Qualitative Study.

Abstract

This study investigates the use of virtual reality (VR) for cancer rehabilitation (CR) among patients with metastatic prostate cancer (mPC) undergoing androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Interviews with 20 participants revealed that the engaging visuals and gamified exercise routines of the VR system enhanced motivation and supported personalized activities. However, some participants encountered challenges, including difficulty using the headset with glasses, initial confusion with technical terms, and concerns about cost and equipment durability. While most appreciated the system's flexibility for home-based rehabilitation, one participant preferred traditional, non-technological exercises. These findings suggest that VR can effectively address barriers in conventional cancer rehabilitation programs, but improvements in user support and cost considerations are necessary for wider acceptance. Further research should focus on the long-term effects of VR on patient outcomes.