Scripps graduate student’s virtual reality project tackles cancer care education

A project led by a Scripps College of Communication graduate student is addressing cancer care education through the use of virtual reality (VR), in collaboration with the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Abel Jarrahi, who is pursuing a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Communication Media Arts, has created a company called VR Medical Solutions, and along with his co-researchers, presented his findings from their project "Chemotherapy Unveiled" at the 2024 International Cancer Education Conference last fall in Lexington, Kentucky. “Chemotherapy Unveiled” was conceived by Jarrahi as a means to bridge the gap in cancer patient education through a VR-based 360 video tour. By simulating a chemotherapy facility, the project aims to reduce the initial anxiety and confusion that often accompany chemotherapy treatments. The VR experience clarifies the procedure, helping patients and caregivers feel more prepared and less overwhelmed.

"Our research not only confirms the effectiveness of VR in medical education but also opens up new avenues for using technology to improve patient care," Jarrahi said. "These findings are a testament to the power of innovative media solutions in addressing real-world challenges."

Jarrahi, who came to Ohio University from Tehran, Iran, received a Master of Arts in Visual Communication studying communication and development (ComDev) before starting the MFA program and founding VR Medical Solutions.

"I’ve always been interested in mixing technology and media, and I wanted to create something entrepreneurial, real work in media that helps people," Jarrahi added.

"Abel, being a hungry brain, just loves to absorb whatever it is that is going on around him," said Eric Williams, the director of the MFA program and a professor in the J. Warren McClure School of Emerging Communication Technologies. "He learned how to develop ideas for community impact in the ComDev program. Then, he joined the MFA program and now, picked up a new skill set, and synthesizes them into these great ideas."

VR Medical Solutions received support from the 2023 Bobcat Seed Fund, an Ohio University investment initiative aimed at eliminating financial barriers for entrepreneurial-minded students. The “Chemotherapy Unveiled” research project has shown promising results in a comprehensive study involving over 400 participants. The success of this initial phase has spurred a second phase of the study this summer, focusing exclusively on cancer patients.

"Abel started using VR for cancer education, but it wouldn't be as impactful without collaboration with medical health providers. We need that collaboration in order to use communication skills to make something right," said Williams.

"Our goal is to put this actually in front of real cancer patients when they are told they have to do chemotherapy," said Jarrahi. "It's about patient empowerment because it's important to understand what is being done to you. A lot of times, people don't ask questions because they don't know what to ask. But if you experience this before your first day of chemotherapy, you’ll ask more questions, right? Then, you have a better experience."

“Abel’s work is a fantastic example of the innovative and transformative work that Scripps graduate students are doing in their respective fields,” said Scripps College of Communication Associate Dean and Head of Graduate Programs Aimee Edmondson. “Professor Eric Williams and students like Abel Jarrahi are the reason why Scripps graduate programs are prestigious worldwide. They are doing the work.”

Learn more about the MFA in Communication Media Arts and J. Warren McClure School of Emerging Communication Technologies.