Palliative Care Virtual Reality Research Project

27 November 2025

A research study into the use of virtual reality (VR) headsets as a pain management method for patients with advanced cancer shows promise in preliminary informal results. 

Dr Cahill, Dr Harding and other members of the Velindre Palliative Care team have been involved in the observational cohort NIHR trial, which will conclude in 2026 and is co-ordinated by University College London.

The benefits of being able to escape the normal hospital and ward environment were a notable discussion point for participants and there was mention that few other interventions could offer this kind of fully immersive experience in quite the same way. Participants at Velindre scored their perception of pain whilst using the VR Headset and one participant, after using the headset, even went on to buy their own as they wished to continue to use the technology at home.

One of the challenges for the palliative care team during the project was getting to grips with the technology. Once this was overcome, it helped explaining the new intervention to patients and their loved ones. Upon initial discussion with patients when recruiting to the study, some patients had never seen or experienced virtual or augmented reality. Generally, the team received feedback that those who chose to participate enjoyed the experience, with no adverse effects being reported from the Velindre site during Phase I.

The study is sponsored by University College London and funded by NIHR Central Commissioning Facility.

Professor Mark Taubert, Palliative Care Consultant and Principal Investigator for the Cardiff site, said:

"The project is currently approaching Phase III where the feedback from all UK participants in Phase I is analysed and used to adapt/refine the technology. The revised technology will then be used by a new cohort of participants to discuss the recommended frequency of use of virtual reality."