Enhancing cancer-supportive care through virtual reality: a policy brief

• DOI: 10.1186/s12961-025-01332-w
• Publication Date: 2025-04-29T08:29:50Z
• Authors: Esmaeel Toni; Haleh Ayatollahi
• Keywords: Health Services Research; Health administration; Healthcare Policy

Virtual reality (VR) technology has been useful in enhancing cancer-supportive care by alleviating pain, anxiety and emotional distress. However, its integration into oncology faces multiple barriers, including limited funding, insufficient clinician training, accessibility challenges, absence of standard guidelines reimbursement policies. This policy brief highlighted options needed for VR interventions care. was developed upon a previous systematic review that examined the role To translate these findings actionable recommendations, we conducted secondary analysis policy-related opportunities challenges. The extracted evidence synthesized to propose strategic facilitate adoption oncology. A total five key were identified: (1) increasing funding research development, (2) training programs healthcare professionals, (3) expanding patient access through financial support mechanisms, (4) establishing clinical (5) developing These recommendations aim bridge gap between technological advancements their practical implementation cancer Integrating requires coordinated effort among policymakers, institutions developers. By implementing evidence-based strategies, stakeholders can enhance access, improve outcomes ensure sustainable