Bliss: Dive Into a Virtual Dreamworld to Escape Pain

Bliss is a real-time 3D application that can be used as complementary therapy to reduce pain and stress in cancer patients

Donning a headset and using a smartphone, patients can escape into any of several interactive imaginary worlds designed to calm them. These include forest, seashore, prairie and frozen landscape environments. There is also an audio element. Early testing with a small group indicated that quality of life improvements paralleled or exceeded those available through morphine or behavioral or cognitive therapy. A pilot project is planned for September, and the long-term goal is a clinical evaluation of the benefits of the system.