Social VR-Based Support Groups for Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology (AYA) Patients

The cancer diagnosis comes during an inherently vulnerable developmental stage, magnifying the feelings of isolation associated with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Prior studies have highlighted the importance of peer groups during cancer treatment, contributing to resilience and improved psychosocial outcomes.

Support groups help foster connections, but in-person support groups are difficult for patients to participate in due to immunosuppression, prolonged hospitalizations, geographic constraints, and other responsibilities to their families and jobs. Virtual reality (VR) has allowed for the creation of a therapist-curated, computer-generated reality in which to hold support groups for this unique patient population.

After a successful pilot with this approach, we have expanded this model to other patient groups, including adults with metastatic colon and breast cancer in pursuit of an insurance reimbursable telehealth model of care.