Clemson researcher develops first-of-its-kind shared virtual reality experience, Tandem VR

Olivia McAnirlin, co-director of the Clemson University Virtual Reality and Nature (VRN) Lab in the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management (PRTM), developed the concept of a shared virtual reality (VR) experience, known as Tandem VR, during her dissertation research as a PRTM doctoral student.

Now, five years after its conception, Tandem VR serves as an integral part of clinical trials and interdisciplinary research endeavors across the University and provides meaningful experiences for individuals with limited mobility or chronic health conditions and their loved ones.

“Tandem VR is the first of its kind in the virtual reality field and was created to provide meaningful, personalized and accessible experiences for people living with chronic diseases that prohibit them from safely leaving their homes, traveling long distances or participating in events,” said McAnirlin. “This research lends itself to interdisciplinary collaborations and elevates our understanding of palliative and end-of-life care.”

As a graduate student, McAnirlin customized individual virtual reality experiences for people receiving at-home care for severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in partnership with researchers in the School of Nursing. These experiences varied based on each patient’s unique interests, personal memories and favorite destinations. During the project’s implementation, McAnirlin said she began to consider how to broaden its scope to also support caregivers and loved ones and deepen the positive impact of personalized VR – and so, she developed Tandem VR.

Currently, Tandem VR is being used in a clinical trial for palliative and hospice care patients and their caregivers at Prisma Health. Through a seed grant awarded by Prisma Health, an interdisciplinary research team curates 360-degree virtual reality experiences and leads its delivery to patients and their loved ones. The team includes Jason Thrift, assistant professor in the School of Nursing; Keais Pope, assistant medical director of Hospice of the Foothills-Greenville; McAnirlin and Fu Li, a Ph.D. candidate in the PRTM department. Tracy Fasolino, professor in the School of Nursing and distinguished palliative care leader, oversees patient care for the project. Prisma Health Hospice of the Foothills has been using the technology for its patients for more than a year.

McAnirlin has created nature-based experiences in Jones Gap State Park and Falls Park and destination experiences with footage from locations around the world. Recently, she and VRN intern Robert Martin, PRTM assistant professor Felipe Tobar, Meseta Films director Daniel Uribe and VRN co-director Matthew Browning developed a virtual Clemson football experience comprising all aspects of game day – tailgating, on-field action, energy from the fans and performances by the band and cheerleaders. The Tandem VR football game was delivered to a Clemson alumnus, a hospice patient physically unable to attend a game, and his wife – as it was his wish to attend one more game in Death Valley.

“Dr. McAnirlin’s virtual reality research is an excellent example of how the PRTM department and College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences are contributing to the goals of Clemson Elevate, conducting innovative research and transforming lives across South Carolina and beyond,” said Bob Barcelona, chair of the PRTM department. “Tandem VR is providing meaningful nature-based, recreation and travel experiences for individuals in difficult stages of life while simultaneously advancing virtual reality and health care research.”    

The Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management is a part of the College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences. Established in July 2016, CBSHS is a 21st-century, land-grant college that combines work in nine disciplines – communication; nursing; parks, recreation and tourism management; political science; psychology; public health sciences; sociology, anthropology and criminal justice – to further its mission of “building people and communities” in South Carolina and beyond.