RECOVER REALITY FEASIBILITY TRIAL: INVESTIGATING THE FEASIBILITY OF IMMERSIVE TECHNOLOGIES TO ENHANCE NEUROREHABILITATION EDUCATION AFTER NEUROSURGERY FOR BRAIN CANCER

Abstract

Abstract AIMS Neurorehabilitation is fundamental to better outcomes for those recovering from neurosurgery for brain cancer. Access to this essential therapy is limited by resource shortages and unfulfilled therapy needs lead to longer hospital stays. Immersive technologies such as virtual reality (VR) could be used to augment neurorehabilitation in a self-directed, safe, virtual environment. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility of a VR rehabilitation programme in an acute neurosurgical inpatient environment to augment neurorehabilitation. METHOD A single group, feasibility study was conducted in a tertiary UK neurosurgical department. Patients aged 16 and over who had undergone a neurosurgical intervention for brain tumours were eligible. Participants were offered a VR session at least once per day for the first 14 days post-surgery/injury or until discharge, whichever comes first, with reasons for non-engagement collected. Primary outcomes were feasibility outcomes, and secondary outcomes included rehabilitation engagement and length of stay. RESULTS Data collection is ongoing. At submission we have n=6 participants who used the VR. A seventh participant who was screened for inclusion declined, citing anxiety over causing headaches as the reason. All six participants used the VR on either post operative day 2 or day 3. Although offered VR on the immediate day after surgery, participants declined due to nausea or pain. CONCLUSIONS If this present study demonstrates feasibility of using VR in patients after neurosurgery for brain cancer, a randomised clinical effectiveness study with health-economics analysis will follow to inform widespread adoption into practice.