A Virtual Reality Memorial for Gynecologic Cancer Patients
Current Project
SUMMARY
In cancer care, especially in advanced and recurrent settings, clear communication is vital in ensuring that providers and patients agree on goals of care and treatment decisions. For a multitude of reasons, there is often a large gap between a patient’s ideal end-of-life and its reality. A Virtual Reality Memorial for Gynecologic Cancer Patients uses artistic expression and creation to improve the quality of life for end-of-life patients and families in the underserved Los Angeles community.
The project will facilitate workshops to assist gynecologic cancer patients in creating virtual reality (VR) legacy pieces for their loved ones. Led by USC Keck School of Medicine students and residents, the workshops will involve guided brainstorming and message drafting, followed by co-design sessions with USC Cinematic Arts students to produce the VR memorials. The patients will share the final VR pieces with their families, and the project will conclude with a Celebration of Life event featuring compilations of legacy pieces from participating patients.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES
- Assist end-of-life gynecologic cancer patients to create a VR legacy experience for loved ones.
- Exhibit curated experiences as a Celebration of Life event for patients and their loved ones.
- Enable patients to find peace from reflection and provide a legacy gift to others as a tangible expression of love, gratitude, and remembrance.
- Help students, trainees, and staff better understand what may be important to patients at the end-of-life stage.
