ESTRO 2025 - Abstract Book

S4176

RTT - Patient experience and quality of life

ESTRO 2025

Purpose/Objective: Radiotherapy sessions are often feared by our patients. The aim of our study is to demonstrate the benefits of using a Virtual Reality (VR) headset representing the digital twin of the CyberKnife ® as part of the patient notification system for those requiring stereotactic radiotherapy treatment. Material/Methods: We collaborated with Dassault Systèmes © to implement a virtual twin of the CyberKnife®. The VR headset emulates the treatment room and simulates the movement of the radiotherapy accelerator while the patient is in the treatment positioning. The use of the VR headset was offered to our patients before their radiotherapy sessions. A feeling and anxiety assessment, using a form derived from the STAI-Y, including 12 items from the original (rating 1 to 4 per item), was provided to each patient before and after using the VR headset. The scores from the questionnaire ranged from 12 (calm and relaxed patients) to 48 (anxious, worried patients). Results: 34 patient forms were analyzed between November 2023 and April 2024. None of the patients had previously undergone stereotactic radiotherapy with CyberKnife®. 23 patients (68%) reported a benefit from the experience with a significant improvement in their score (p = 0.004), with a median score improvement of 5 points [1 to 15 points]. 7 patients (21%) showed no change, including 4 patients (12%) who had an initial score of 12 (the lowest possible value) and could not improve. 4 patients (12%) experienced a deterioration in their initial evaluation, with a median loss of 3 points. Conclusion: The use of the VR headset, as part of the patient notification system, seems to help patients better cope with their stereotactic radiotherapy sessions using CyberKnife®. We hope to confirm these results in a randomized study that should begin within our institution. Mini-Oral Ready for radiation therapy – a virtual start-up from the patient’s living room Maria Orloff Orloff Poulsen 1 , Dorthe Grunske Schmidt 1 , Bettina Fjord Christiansen 1 , Malene Vestergaard Pedersen 1 , Janne Gornitzka 1 , Pia Krause Møller 1,2 1 Department of Oncology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark. 2 Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark Purpose/Objective: In department of oncology, there is a recognized need to modify the current practice of the initial consultation conducted prior to the first radiotherapy treatment. This adjustment is driven by two main factors. First, the time commitment required from a radiotherapist (RTT), who may not have experience of the patient's specific diagnosis, to prepare for and conduct these consultations in addition to their regular clinical duties. And second, the opportunity to enhance the patient experience during the initiation of radiotherapy. This study aimed to assess whether a virtual initial consultation with a RTT, with experience in the specific diagnosis, held five days before radiotherapy is feasible, can enhance consultation quality, create a safe environment for the patient and simultaneously reduce workload at the accelerator. Keywords: Virtual reality, Patient announcement 2361