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New and Notable

Virtual Reality Enhances Care Experience for Infusion Patients

“Medical technology continues to change faster than ever before and Lakeland is committed to staying on the forefront of these changes, especially as we work to improve the overall patient experience,” said Barbara Schmidtman, PhD, Manager, Radiation Oncology and Ambulatory Infusion, Spectrum Health Lakeland. “Most infusion sessions last around three hours. By using VR technology we are able to help patients pass the time while reducing their anxiety and stress levels.”

“Infusion patients are bound near the location of their clinical care, but virtual reality is able to take them almost anywhere,” said Brendon Beede, Project Manager, Information Technology, Spectrum Health Lakeland. “Patients are able to experience stories developed for VR and play mini-games to distract them from their current reality, which in itself is a blessing.”

The Marie Yeager Cancer Center makes it possible for patients and their families to go to just one facility for the majority of their cancer care needs. The center includes a highly qualified team of cancer specialists and state-of-the-art technology for cancer detection and treatment, all in an environment designed to promote health and healing.

Learn more about the services offered by visiting the NEW microsite at www.marieyeagercancercenter.com  

The infusion center at the Marie Yeager Cancer Center recently introduced virtual reality (VR) into the clinical setting. While patients receive chemotherapy and other infusion services, they can use virtual reality to take them outside the clinical setting while helping relieve some of the current stresses of their situation.

Through an interactive computer-generated simulation, patients are exposed to a variety of experiences such as exploring the history of the Titanic or the Anne Frank House, meditating on the beach, or watching television in the comfort of an exotic mansion, among others.

Lady with VR goggles

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