Beyond the Clinic: A Virtual Companion for GI Cancer Care

The Ohio State University College of Nursing partnered with Kinemeric to design and develop a virtual reality application that supports gastrointestinal cancer patients in managing their symptoms and daily life. Built as a spatial computing experience, the application provides an immersive, guided environment where patients can practice healthy behaviors, build confidence, and feel more prepared for their care journey—without leaving home.

Inside the experience, patients are invited into a calm, engaging virtual space that unfolds into a series of interactive “rooms,” each focused on a different aspect of self-management. In a virtual grocery store, they learn to choose foods that support their treatment and reduce discomfort, practicing healthy shopping habits in a realistic yet stress-free setting. A dedicated exercise area walks them through gentle, clinically informed movements tailored to their condition, helping them stay active safely.

Education is woven into every interaction. Patients can explore approachable, plain-language explanations of their disease and treatment, paired with practical self-management strategies they can try in their everyday lives. Guided meditation environments help them address anxiety, fatigue, and emotional stress—offering tools for relaxation that they can return to as often as they need.

One of the most impactful modules focuses on preparing for conversations with primary care physicians and oncology teams. Patients rehearse questions, clarify their concerns, and practice describing symptoms, so they show up to appointments more organized, confident, and ready to advocate for themselves.

For OSU’s College of Nursing and Kinemeric, this VR solution extends care beyond the clinic walls. It transforms complex guidance into hands-on, memorable experiences that patients can revisit at their own pace. By combining evidence-based nursing expertise with immersive spatial computing, the project aims to make symptom management more understandable, actionable, and empowering for people living with GI cancer.