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

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Hong Kong Polytechnic University professor Shara Lee Wee-yee uses the HEROCARE mixed-reality programme to help children with cancer and their families rehearse radiotherapy before treatment. The programme also supports caregiver understanding and trains future radiotherapists in empathy and communication.

Hong Kong Polytechnic University professor Shara Lee Wee-yee has been using a mixed reality programme to reduce the fear and uncertainty children face before radiotherapy, with personalised rehearsals that allow families to experience the treatment journey before entering hospital. The simulation programme, HEROCARE, was also a tool that helped carers understand what to expect and for future radiotherapists to develop the empathy and communication skills that patient care required, she...