Academic Journal
Between reality and meaning: a qualitative study on virtual reality as a compassionate technology in end-of-life care.
| Τίτλος: | Between reality and meaning: a qualitative study on virtual reality as a compassionate technology in end-of-life care. |
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| Συγγραφείς: | Chatchumni M; School of Nursing, Rangsit University, Pathumthani, Thailand.; Helth Welfare office, Rangsit University, Pathumthani, Thailand., Phibunnithikasem P; School of Nursing, Rangsit University, Pathumthani, Thailand., Thatsiriniratkul R; School of Nursing, Rangsit University, Pathumthani, Thailand., Prasertsri T; Maha Vajiralongkorn Thanyaburi Hospital, Pathumthani, Thailand., Chotikunnan R; College of Biomedical Engineering, Rangsit University, Pathum Thani, Thailand., Chotikunnan P; College of Biomedical Engineering, Rangsit University, Pathum Thani, Thailand. |
| Πηγή: | International journal of qualitative studies on health and well-being [Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being] 2026 Dec 31; Vol. 21 (1), pp. 2669695. Date of Electronic Publication: 2026 May 06. |
| Τύπος έκδοσης: | Journal Article |
| Γλώσσα: | English |
| Στοιχεία περιοδικού: | Publisher: Taylor & Francis Country of Publication: United States NLM ID: 101256506 Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1748-2631 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 17482623 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being Subsets: MEDLINE |
| Imprint Name(s): | Publication: 2016- : Philadelphia, PA : Taylor & Francis Original Publication: London ; New York : Taylor & Francis, c2006- |
| Ιατρικοί όροι (MeSH): | Terminal Care*/methods , Terminal Care*/psychology , Palliative Care*/methods , Terminally Ill*/psychology , Caregivers*/psychology , Virtual Reality* , Spirituality* , Empathy*, Health Personnel/psychology ; Humans ; Thailand ; Qualitative Research ; Female ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Emotions ; Aged |
| Περίληψη: | Background: Virtual reality (VR) is increasingly recognized as a supportive tool in palliative care due to its potential to promote relaxation, emotional comfort, and spiritual reflection. In Thailand, where end-of-life care is shaped by family relationships, Buddhist beliefs, and the value of a peaceful death, little is known about how VR is perceived in this context. Aim: To explore perceptions, emotional and spiritual needs, and anticipated acceptability of VR in end-of-life care among terminally ill patients, family caregivers, and palliative care professionals in Thailand. Method: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 15 purposively selected participants, including five terminally ill patients, five family caregivers, and five healthcare professionals. The study focused on anticipated rather than directly experienced use of VR. Interviews were conducted in Thai, audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using inductive content analysis. Rigor was enhanced through investigator triangulation, reflexive memo writing, peer debriefing, and an audit trail. Results: Four interrelated themes were developed: (1) emotional and existential needs, including longing for home, peace, and unresolved concerns; (2) spirituality and meaning, where VR was perceived as a medium for reflection and religious connection; (3) facilitators and barriers, including perceived benefits alongside concerns about usability, emotional impact, and staff workload; and (4) compassionate innovation, reflecting the potential of VR to support dignity, comfort, and meaning at the end of life. Participants viewed VR not merely as a distraction tool, but as a means of symbolic connection and emotional support. Conclusion: In this Thai palliative care context, VR was perceived as a potentially compassionate and culturally meaningful technology that may support emotional, existential, and spiritual well-being when tailored to patient readiness, cultural values, and clinical feasibility. As findings reflect anticipated perceptions, further research is needed to evaluate its practical, emotional, and ethical impacts in clinical settings. |
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| Contributed Indexing: | Keywords: Thailand; Virtual reality; end-of-life care; palliative care; qualitative research; spirituality |
| Entry Date(s): | Date Created: 20260507 Date Completed: 20260716 Latest Revision: 20260813 |
| Update Code: | 20260813 |
| PubMed Central ID: | PMC13159595 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/17482631.2026.2669695 |
| PMID: | 42093209 |
| Βάση Δεδομένων: | MEDLINE |
| ISSN: | 1748-2631 |
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| DOI: | 10.1080/17482631.2026.2669695 |