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Virtual reality improves Veterans’ hospice experience

VA Research News Briefs

Virtual reality improves Veterans’ hospice experiencePhoto: ©iStock/Antonio_Diaz

(02/24/2026) VA researchers in Bedford, Massachusetts, found using virtual reality can improve the well-being of Veterans receiving end-of-life hospice care. Twenty-five Veterans in hospice at a VA hospital participated in a pilot program in which they used a VR headset for self-selected entertainment programs. Travel experiences were the most popular, allowing reminiscence and touring of bucket-list destinations. Despite some setup challenges, 91% of participants said they enjoyed the experience, and 90% said they would participate again. Feedback suggested the experience improved Veterans’ anxiety, mood, and boredom. One participant remarked, “I don’t get to feel this good very often.” The findings demonstrate how VR technology can offer meaningful engagement and improve psychological well-being in Veterans receiving end-of-life care. (Journal of Palliative Medicine, Feb. 9, 2026)



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