Guest blog from Lisa Sheehy, PT, PhD

Affiliate Investigator with Bruyère Research Institute

Some of us could use a little distraction, whether from persistent pain or loneliness. I see a future where technology can help.

Virtual reality (VR) is not just for kids to play cool games. It is an amazing technology that can be invaluable in health care by immersing people in a world totally unlike a hospital or long-term care room. Using a head-mounted display, a user can escape from their “real” environment and be transported to a different world, one that can stimulate the senses and let them forget their day-to-day struggles for a while.

Virtual experiences may be exciting (sitting on a rollercoaster), educational (learning about the flora and fauna of a rainforest), relaxing (meditating), beautiful (walking on a beach), fun (watching a stand-up comedy show), or social (chatting with a sympathetic companion).

At Saint-Vincent Hospital we are working with patients in complex continuing care who have persistent pain or incidental pain resulting from wound dressing changes. Patients choose from a wide selection of VR experiences designed so that anyone can participate, including those with limited mobility who wouldn’t be able to set up the device themselves. Users enjoyed the experiences and reported that VR gave them a break from their pain.

We are also excited to be testing a virtual companion, “Kiera”, with residents living with cognitive impairment in long-term care. Loneliness is often a great problem for these residents and a concern to their loved ones. “Kiera” welcomes users into her living room and asks them questions designed to stimulate reminiscence and storytelling. New developments in generative artificial intelligence (AI) allow deep and meaningful conversations on any topic.

While for some, the burgeoning world of VR and AI can seem overwhelming, at Bruyère they are amazing examples of the ways in which technology can really improve our patients’ and residents’ quality of life. I see a future where these technologies will provide the added support that these people need.

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