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Opportunities and Challenges of Virtual Reality-Based Interventions for Patients With Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review Publisher Pubmed



Yazdipour AB1, 2 ; Saeedi S1, 3 ; Bostan H1, 4 ; Masoorian H1 ; Sajjadi H1 ; Ghazisaeedi M1
Authors
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Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Department of Health Information Management and Medical Informatics, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, 3th Floor, No #17, Farredanesh Alley, Ghods St, Enghelab Ave, Tehran, Iran
  2. 2. Students’ Scientific Research Center (SSRC), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  3. 3. Clinical Research Development Unit of Farshchian Heart Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
  4. 4. Abadan University of Medical Sciences, Abadan, Iran

Source: BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making Published:2023


Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers diagnosed worldwide and the second leading cause of death among women. Virtual reality (VR) has many opportunities and challenges for breast cancer patients' rehabilitation and symptom management. The purpose of this systematic review is to look into the benefits and drawbacks of VR interventions for breast cancer patients. Methods: A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, IEEE, and the Cochrane Library, from inception until February 6, 2022. The inclusion criteria were: (1) original studies without restriction in study design; (2) a study population consisting of patients with breast cancer; (3) any type of VR-based interventions (immersive and non-immersive); and (5) studies published in English. To assess the risk of bias, the Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) Tool was used. Results: Eighteen articles were included in this systematic review. The result showed that VR could provide many opportunities for patients with breast cancer, including reducing anxiety, time perception, pain, fatigue, chemotherapy-related symptom distress levels, and depression severity, as well as improvement in the range of motion, strength, and function. Cybersickness symptoms, the weight of headsets and helmets, the quality of the visual image, and the cost of the equipment are some of the challenges in using this technology on these patients. Conclusions: The systematic review showed that VR interventions have opportunities and challenges for patients with breast cancer. VR can be effective for rehabilitation and symptom management and is used in different stages of treatment to improve the condition of patients with breast cancer. However, before using it, the researcher should consider its challenges. © 2023, The Author(s).