Immersive Virtual Reality Treatment Room Changes Chemo Experience for Young Cancer Patients

In Naples, Florida, children battling cancer are receiving chemotherapy while traveling to outer space, going on a deep-sea diving adventure or being immersed inside a video game. It’s all thanks to a new virtual reality treatment room, located at Lee Health’s Golisano Children’s Health Center.

Inside the treatment room, the walls are covered by floor-to-ceiling projections to provide a 270 degree immersive experience. Children are able to choose from different backdrops, such as the beach, space or underwater, and then be completely immersed in their surroundings. The virtual experience also includes sounds and interactive elements. For example, in the space setting, patients can hit a button on the screen to interact with the astronaut, including making him dance. Patients can also use the room to watch movies, play video games or video chat with friends and family while receiving their treatment.

The immersive treatment room is part of a comprehensive expansion of pediatric healthcare services at the health center. Golisano Children’s Hospital partnered with d3 Creative Studio in the development and design of the immersion room.

Photo credit: Brian Tietz