Eliciting Design Requirements of an XR Application Managing Pain and Stress for Pediatric Oncology Patients

Konstantinos Tagaras (), Niki Pandria, Sofia Reppou, Panagiotis D. Bamidis and Panagiotis E. Antoniou
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Konstantinos Tagaras: Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Medical Physics & Digital Innovation Laboratory, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences
Niki Pandria: Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Medical Physics & Digital Innovation Laboratory, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences
Sofia Reppou: Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Medical Physics & Digital Innovation Laboratory, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences
Panagiotis D. Bamidis: Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Medical Physics & Digital Innovation Laboratory, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences
Panagiotis E. Antoniou: Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Medical Physics & Digital Innovation Laboratory, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences

A chapter in XR and Metaverse, 2026, pp 365-386 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract Pediatric oncology patients undergoing chemotherapy face significant physical and psychological challenges, including pain, anxiety, and fear. This work initiated from a study for design principles of an eXtended Reality (XR) application managing pain and stress in pediatric oncological patients. A focus group methodology was employed, involving eight stakeholders: psychologists, pediatric oncologists, medical doctors, education experts, and technologists. The discussion focused on target groups, treatment phases, intervention aims, and XR application features. Results identified three critical psychological factors requiring management: fear, anxiety, and pain. Two distinct patient groups emerged: children aged 6–12 years and adolescents aged 12–16 years, each requiring tailored interventions across two treatment phases: establishment of diagnosis and active treatment. Design principles include gamified education, psychoeducation through storytelling, immersive VR environments, peer connections via avatars, and mindfulness exercises. Findings demonstrated the need for a comprehensive, personalized platform of integrated digital interventions. Insights from this study support further evidence-based designs situated on patient needs and characteristics.

Keywords: Pediatric oncology; Extended reality; Pain management; Stress relief; Psychoeducation; Virtual worlds (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:spr:prbchp:978-3-032-11983-4_27

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DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-11983-4_27

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