Hong Kong professor’s HEROCARE uses mixed reality to prepare child cancer patients

The human touch behind the virtual technology for preparing child cancer patients

Hong Kong Polytechnic University professor Shara Lee Wee-yee is a finalist in the innovation category of this year’s Spirit of Hong Kong Awards for her work on HEROCARE, a simulation programme for young radiotherapy patients.

Lee has been using mixed reality to reduce the fear and uncertainty children face before radiotherapy.

The programme provides personalised rehearsals, allowing families to experience the treatment journey before entering hospital.

Rehearsing the treatment journey

HEROCARE recreates hospital radiotherapy environments within PolyU’s Hybrid Immersive Virtual Environment, known as HiVE.

The simulation is intended to calm the nerves of children preparing for radiotherapy by giving them an opportunity to become familiar with the process in advance.

That preparation also gives families a clearer sense of what the treatment journey involves before they arrive at the hospital.

The programme therefore extends beyond the child receiving treatment.

Lee noted that HEROCARE has helped carers understand what to expect.

She also said it could help future radiotherapists develop the empathy and communication skills required for patient care.

A programme shaped around patient care

The Spirit of Hong Kong Awards are co-organised by Sino Group and the South China Morning Post.

Lee’s finalist position places HEROCARE’s innovation within an awards category focused on its contribution to patient care and communication.

By combining a recreated radiotherapy environment with personalised rehearsals, the programme addresses the uncertainty children and their families may face before treatment.

Source: South China Morning Post