Enhancing cancer-supportive care through virtual reality: a policy brief
Abstract Background Virtual reality (VR) technology has been useful in enhancing cancer-supportive care by alleviating pain, anxiety and emotional distress. However, its integration into oncology faces multiple barriers, including limited funding, insufficient clinician training, accessibility chall...
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| Language: | English |
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BMC
2025-04-01
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| Series: | Health Research Policy and Systems |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12961-025-01332-w |
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| author | Esmaeel Toni Haleh Ayatollahi |
| author_facet | Esmaeel Toni Haleh Ayatollahi |
| author_sort | Esmaeel Toni |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Virtual reality (VR) technology has been useful in enhancing cancer-supportive care by alleviating pain, anxiety and emotional distress. However, its integration into oncology faces multiple barriers, including limited funding, insufficient clinician training, accessibility challenges, absence of standard guidelines and reimbursement policies. This policy brief highlighted policy options needed for VR technology interventions in cancer-supportive care. Methods This policy brief was developed upon a previous systematic review that examined the role of VR in cancer-supportive care. To translate these findings into actionable recommendations, we conducted a secondary analysis of policy-related opportunities and challenges. The extracted evidence was synthesized to propose strategic policy options that facilitate VR adoption in oncology. Results A total of five key policy options were identified: (1) increasing funding for VR research and development, (2) training programs for healthcare professionals, (3) expanding patient access through financial support mechanisms, (4) establishing standard clinical guidelines and (5) developing reimbursement policies. These recommendations aim to bridge the gap between technological advancements and their practical implementation in cancer care. Conclusions Integrating VR into cancer-supportive care requires a coordinated effort among policymakers, healthcare institutions and technology developers. By implementing these evidence-based policy strategies, stakeholders can enhance patient access, improve clinical outcomes and ensure sustainable adoption of VR in oncology. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-b2370977805c41d8a5758fa43147ff2e |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 1478-4505 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-04-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Health Research Policy and Systems |
| spelling | doaj-art-b2370977805c41d8a5758fa43147ff2e2025-08-20T02:55:28ZengBMCHealth Research Policy and Systems1478-45052025-04-012311610.1186/s12961-025-01332-wEnhancing cancer-supportive care through virtual reality: a policy briefEsmaeel Toni0Haleh Ayatollahi1Student Research Committee, Iran University of Medical SciencesHealth Management and Economics Research Center, Health Management Research Institute, Iran University of Medical SciencesAbstract Background Virtual reality (VR) technology has been useful in enhancing cancer-supportive care by alleviating pain, anxiety and emotional distress. However, its integration into oncology faces multiple barriers, including limited funding, insufficient clinician training, accessibility challenges, absence of standard guidelines and reimbursement policies. This policy brief highlighted policy options needed for VR technology interventions in cancer-supportive care. Methods This policy brief was developed upon a previous systematic review that examined the role of VR in cancer-supportive care. To translate these findings into actionable recommendations, we conducted a secondary analysis of policy-related opportunities and challenges. The extracted evidence was synthesized to propose strategic policy options that facilitate VR adoption in oncology. Results A total of five key policy options were identified: (1) increasing funding for VR research and development, (2) training programs for healthcare professionals, (3) expanding patient access through financial support mechanisms, (4) establishing standard clinical guidelines and (5) developing reimbursement policies. These recommendations aim to bridge the gap between technological advancements and their practical implementation in cancer care. Conclusions Integrating VR into cancer-supportive care requires a coordinated effort among policymakers, healthcare institutions and technology developers. By implementing these evidence-based policy strategies, stakeholders can enhance patient access, improve clinical outcomes and ensure sustainable adoption of VR in oncology.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12961-025-01332-wPolicy briefVirtual realitySupportive careCancer |
| spellingShingle | Esmaeel Toni Haleh Ayatollahi Enhancing cancer-supportive care through virtual reality: a policy brief Health Research Policy and Systems Policy brief Virtual reality Supportive care Cancer |
| title | Enhancing cancer-supportive care through virtual reality: a policy brief |
| title_full | Enhancing cancer-supportive care through virtual reality: a policy brief |
| title_fullStr | Enhancing cancer-supportive care through virtual reality: a policy brief |
| title_full_unstemmed | Enhancing cancer-supportive care through virtual reality: a policy brief |
| title_short | Enhancing cancer-supportive care through virtual reality: a policy brief |
| title_sort | enhancing cancer supportive care through virtual reality a policy brief |
| topic | Policy brief Virtual reality Supportive care Cancer |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12961-025-01332-w |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT esmaeeltoni enhancingcancersupportivecarethroughvirtualrealityapolicybrief AT halehayatollahi enhancingcancersupportivecarethroughvirtualrealityapolicybrief |