Published on 12 April 2023
Cancer patients in Cheshire and Merseyside will know what to expect ahead of their first treatment appointment, after virtual reality video was created by students.
Patients at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre in Liverpool are now able to access a virtual tour of the radiotherapy department, produced by 80 computer science students at The City of Liverpool College.
The video includes 3D visual representations of finding the radiotherapy department, signing in, how the changing facilities work and what to expect when entering the treatment room.
The concept for the video was developed when planning for the new Liverpool hospital and was part of a wider project to enhance patient experience. It was established not only for the benefit of patients but also to deliver social value by offering hands-on work experience for young people.
The virtual reality video aims to reduce the potential for anxiety and stress by introducing patients to the hospital, the radiotherapy department and one of the radiographers virtually.
Nicky Hutton, Radiotherapy Advanced Practitioner, who led the project for Clatterbridge, said: “I would like to thank everyone involved in this project. This virtual tour aims to provide patients with key information so that they can get that feeling of ‘I'm happier now that I know what is going on’ earlier in their treatment journey. The whole team are really excited about this virtual tour and the impact it will have on our patients.
“As a Trust, we are committed to continuously improve the service that we provide to our patients. We acknowledge how daunting it must be for our patients attending the hospital for the first time and hope that this video will answer some of the common questions they have when they first begin their radiotherapy treatment.
“Patients who have already seen the video have mentioned how it put them at ease and we hope it will go on to do the same for others.”
It is hoped the video will become part of a collection of resources that are developed for other departments at Clatterbridge, such as chemotherapy.
Watch the video here: https://www.clatterbridgecc.nhs.uk/patients/treatment-and-support/radiotherapy