St. Mary's Hospital in Montreal is deploying virtual reality concerts to transform patient care. The immersive VR experience allows patients to escape their surroundings, find relaxation, and potentially heal.
Led by geriatrician Dr. Julia Chabot and featuring music by Alexandra Stréliski, the project aims to measure the impact of musical intervention on stress, pain, and emotional health. Early pilot studies show patients receiving the VR intervention reported less pain compared to a control group.
Dr. Chabot highlights the immediate, positive effect of the VR music, noting it offers a powerful, drug-free alternative for alleviating patient discomfort and enhancing their well-being. The hospital plans to expand the program hospital-wide within the year.