Chemotherapy infusion for cancer patients with the assistance of immersive virtual reality (IVR): a scoping review of the literature

Purpose: To summarize scientific findings related to cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy infusions assisted by Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR). The study focused on the involvement of nurses, the sole healthcare professionals authorized to administer the chemotherapy infusion, and evaluated the extent to which IVR helped reduce anxiety and distress. Method: To conduct this review, various databases, including Medline (via Pubmed), Web of Science (WoS), CINAHL, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched. The PRISMA guidelines were followed in accordance with the EQUATOR checklist. Results: Relevant articles were identified by searching for studies that explored the use of IVR to support cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy infusions, assessed their perceived anxiety and stress levels, and discussed the role of nurses in this context. A total of 23 papers were included in the review. Conclusions: Most of these studies indicated that using IVR to distract patients during chemotherapy infusions led to a reduction in anxiety and distress levels. This not only facilitated the nursing care process but also improved the patient's compliance with the therapy regimen.