Aurora Healthcare has launched what is believed to be one of the first private hospital pilots of immersive virtual reality (VR) technology within an Australian Day Oncology Unit, placing patient comfort and experience at the centre of innovation.
The pilot, now underway at South Eastern Private Hospital, introduces immersive VR experiences designed specifically for patients receiving chair-based oncology treatments. For individuals undergoing chemotherapy and other infusion therapies, treatment can involve long hours in a clinical setting. This initiative aims to enhance comfort, reduce treatment-related stress and provide meaningful distraction during care.
The feasibility study is evaluating how VR can support patients throughout their treatment journey, with early participants reporting that the immersive environments provide a calming and engaging experience during extended sessions. Carers are reporting they enjoy following the patient experience on the tablet provided, using discussion prompts to chat about the 360-degree natural scenes from around world. Oncology nurses are also trialling the technology to ensure it integrates seamlessly into care delivery and is intuitive to support within a busy clinical setting.
Importantly, the system has been purpose-built for healthcare environments, independent of hospital wifi. It has been designed with both patients and nurses in mind, lightweight, simple to use, and suitable for seated treatment environments.
If successful, Aurora will explore extending the technology into dialysis services, mental health programs and other areas where patients spend prolonged periods receiving care.
Andrew Blyth, CEO of South Eastern Private Hospital and Executive General Manager for Victoria and Western Australia, said the pilot reflects Aurora’s broader commitment to innovation that genuinely improves patient experience.
“At Aurora, our vision of People First, People Always means looking beyond clinical treatment alone,” Mr Blyth said. “For patients undergoing oncology care, even small improvements in comfort and emotional wellbeing can make a meaningful difference. This pilot is about enhancing those hours spent in treatment and ensuring we continue to evolve the way care is delivered.”
Virtual reality is an established category in international healthcare systems, particularly in the United States, supported by decades of clinical research. Through this Australian pilot, Aurora is exploring how global innovation can be thoughtfully introduced into private healthcare settings to improve patient-centred outcomes.
The program also opens future research opportunities for nursing and allied health staff, aligning innovation with workforce development and positioning Aurora hospitals as progressive, research-engaged clinical environments.
Aurora Healthcare operates a national network of 14 hospitals and continues to invest in practical innovations that elevate patient experience while supporting clinicians to deliver high-quality care.
