Case Study: AOU Senese Le Scotte

The use of virtual reality as a therapeutic support represents an innovative opportunity to improve the patient experience in clinical contexts often characterized by anxiety, stress, and discomfort. At the Siena University Hospital Company Le Scotte, Lemovie, an immersive application for Meta Quest 3, has been introduced in three distinct departments – nephrology, neurological Day Hospital (DH neurological), and oncology – with the aim of evaluating the impact of VR on the psychophysical well-being of patients.

Nephrology

The nephrology department welcomes patients undergoing intensive and prolonged therapies, often for chronic kidney failure or dialysis. These treatments are known for their psychological impact, generating stress and a sense of alienation in patients.

Lemovie has been introduced in dedicated sessions, offering patients immersive experiences that transported them to natural and relaxing environments, far from the hospital context. Special attention was paid to staff training, ensuring that devices were used safely and properly sanitized between patients.

Results

Average age: 45-85 years.
Number of participants: 25 patients.

• 100% of patients stated that the scenarios were suggestive.

• 100% would recommend the experience to friends and family.

• The head physician described the initiative as “a success.”

The experience allowed for the transformation of a clinical context often perceived as overwhelming into a moment of pause and regeneration, significantly improving the overall experience for patients.

Neurological Day Hospital

The neurological DH mainly deals with patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and other neurodegenerative diseases. These patients face physical and psychological challenges, often related to the management of chronic symptoms and the uncertainty of the disease's progression.

Patients were invited to use Lemovie during treatment or monitoring sessions, exploring scenarios designed to promote relaxation and mental detachment. The initial tutorial was simplified to ensure an intuitive experience, even for those with limited familiarity with technology.

Results

Average age: 28-43 years.
Number of participants: 20 patients.

• 82% found the scenarios relaxing.

• 88% perceived them as suggestive.

• 75% judged the initial tutorial to be clear.

Virtual reality has proven to be a valuable tool for alleviating the psychological burden of these individuals, providing them with a moment of serenity in the complex routine of therapy.

Oncology

The oncology department includes patients receiving treatment for different types of tumors, often divided between preventive adjuvant therapies and therapies for advanced stages of the disease. These patients face periods of great physical and emotional vulnerability, with treatment sessions that can last several hours.

Lemovie has been introduced with a focus on meditation scenarios and breathing techniques, particularly useful for managing pain, anxiety, and emotional discomfort. Each session was customized based on the duration of treatment (5-30 minutes) and the patient's preferences.

Results

Average age: 24-95 years (11 women, 26 men).
Number of participants: 37 patients.
Distribution: 16 patients in preventive adjuvant therapy and 21 patients in therapy for metastatic stage.

• 92% found the scenarios relaxing.

• 100% perceived them as suggestive.

• 90% would recommend the experience to friends and family.

Patients particularly appreciated the experience as a rejuvenating mental break, capable of alleviating the emotional burden of treatments.

Conclusions and Perspectives

The introduction of Lemovie in the departments of AOU Senese Le Scotte has demonstrated how technology can act as a catalyst for a more human and patient-centered therapy. The 360° immersive environments, combined with intuitive design, have transformed moments of care often perceived as stressful into experiences of relaxation and regeneration.

These results encourage further experimentation, aiming to expand the use of virtual reality to new clinical contexts, continuing to improve the quality of life for patients and promoting a more empathetic and personalized medicine.