Experience Summary

This immersive VR experience is designed to educate healthcare professionals by guiding them through a patient’s journey in radiation therapy, observed from the perspective of a LINAC (Linear Accelerator) control room. The goal is to enhance understanding of both the technical processes and the patient’s emotional experience, promoting greater empathy and proficiency in clinical practice.

The experience begins with the patient’s arrival and preparation, allowing learners to witness key stages such as positioning, imaging, and treatment delivery. From the control room, users can observe the operation of the LINAC system, monitor real-time imaging, and understand the significance of maintaining precision and safety during radiation therapy. The VR environment replicates the clinical workflow, enabling users to familiarise themselves with equipment interfaces and communication protocols.

A key feature of the simulation is its focus on the patient’s perspective. Audio and visual cues convey the patient’s thoughts and emotions during treatment, fostering empathy by illustrating the anxiety and vulnerability patients may feel. This dual perspective—combining the clinical and emotional aspects of treatment—helps participants appreciate the importance of compassionate communication and patient-centered care.

The interactive design allows users to make decisions in simulated scenarios, reinforcing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Feedback through MCQs is provided throughout the experience, helping learners assess their performance and improve their approach. By blending technical training with emotional insight, this VR experience prepares healthcare professionals to deliver both precise and compassionate care, ultimately improving the patient experience in radiation therapy.

Clinical Context

A LINAC is a cornerstone technology in modern radiation therapy, used to deliver high-energy x-rays or electrons precisely to cancerous tissues. Its clinical application spans a wide range of malignancies, including brain, head and neck, breast, prostate, and lung cancers. The LINAC generates radiation beams that conform to the shape of the tumour, allowing high-dose delivery while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. Techniques such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) are all enabled by LINAC systems. Treatment planning involves detailed imaging (CT, MRI, PET) to target the tumour accurately. LINACs are integral in both curative and palliative care, offering precise, non-invasive treatment over multiple sessions (fractions). Their versatility, safety, and adaptability to complex tumour geometries make them indispensable in the multidisciplinary management of cancer. Continuous technological advancements have further enhanced their precision and clinical effectiveness.

Learning Outcomes

1. Learn the order of workflow in a linac control room during imaging and treatment delivery.
2. Develop knowledge of safe practice during linac control room procedures.
3. Observe the patient journey through radiation therapy through multiple lenses.
4. Complete the questions to learn more about linac control room procedures.

External Resources

• Linear Accelerator