NHS Fife has become the first health board in Scotland to adopt virtual reality (VR) technology as a therapeutic tool to support patients in the management of chronic pain.
Chronic or persistent pain is known to affect at least 1 in 5 adults in Scotland although recent evidence suggests that the true figure may be more than a third. The pain experienced can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life.
Traditionally, chronic pain has been treated using medicines, which often come with side effects like drowsiness, constipation and nausea. Longer-term use of some pain medicines can also lead to physical dependence and increase the risk of overdose.
Last year NHS Fife launched a groundbreaking new programme ‘Pain Talking’, which aims to reduce the unnecessary prescribing of medicines and promoted other non-pharmaceutical treatments available to help manage chronic pain.
VR technology is the latest non-pharmaceutical strategy piloted by the Fife Pain Management Service for the treatment of chronic and persistent pain, helping to improve mobility and distract from pain, while promoting physical activity in a safe and controlled environment.
The technology uses a headset and hand controls to create immersive, simulated environments. Patients can take part in a variety of virtual experiences, from mindfulness and relaxation exercises to interactive activities like golf and fishing simulations.
The immersive nature of VR helps to shift focus away from pain, providing a form of escapism that can be both relaxing and therapeutic. Additionally, movement-based applications within the VR system encourage physical activity, which is crucial for maintaining mobility and reducing the impact of chronic pain.
John Buchanan, a patient from Oakley in West Fife has used the VR system for several months. John said of the use of VR: “This has brought the fun back to physio work. You've got the visuals so it's great to see your progress - and when you see that progress it gives you a bit of hope. Hope that you can go and complete fun activities when you thought they might have gone for the rest of your days.
“What we're doing here is great and it certainly works for me. It helps me forget about the pain and allows me to enjoy activities I thought I'd never be able to do again."
The VR programme in Fife, which is open to patients of NHS Fife’s Pain Management Service, is led by specialist physiotherapists who ensure that each experience is tailored to individual needs and interests. Whether patients prefer calming mindfulness sessions or more active simulations, the VR program is adaptable to provide the most beneficial therapeutic effects.
The use of VR technology was trialled in Fife over several months with a small group of patients prior to being rolled out more widely. Patients using VR reported reduced pain levels, improved mood and better general wellbeing.
Laura O’Brien is a specialist physiotherapist based at Queen Margaret Hospital in Dunfermline and led the initial trial of VR Technology in Fife. Laura said of the VR programme: "There is growing research backing up the use of VR as a therapeutic tool which helps in the effective management of chronic pain, and improves mobility, confidence and the impact of pain on function.
“We want to offer patients a wide range of tools to help them develop skills to manage their pain most effectively. While VR may not be suitable for everyone, there are many patients who find it offers considerable therapeutic benefits, helping to reduce their pain and offers an improved quality of life."
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Notes to Editors:
- Press release - New initiative aims to reduce the unnecessary prescribing of pain medicines - New initiative aims to reduce the unnecessary prescribing of pain medicines | NHS Fife
- To support those who experience chronic pain to best manage their condition, a website has been created to provide support and education around the full range of treatment options available. The ‘Pain Talking’ website – www.nhsfife.org/paintalking - provides a range of information for patients and carers, and includes testimonies from patients who have already embraced non-pharmacological treatments to manage their pain.
Image:
John Buchanan using the VR kit with specialist physiotherapist Laura O'Brien - [DOWNLOAD]
