In the sixth episode of Series 2 of Speaking of Research, a podcast from the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership, we meet Cheryl Williams, a doctoral researcher from the University of Portsmouth. Cheryl’s research explores the use of virtual reality (VR) as an innovative intervention for pain management, investigating how immersive experiences can reduce pain and anxiety in clinical settings.

Often used as a distraction technique during surgery and other hospital procedures, VR offers a promising way to improve patient comfort and wellbeing. With 25% of the global population experiencing chronic pain daily, Cheryl’s work highlights the urgent need for alternative therapeutic approaches and aims to expand VR’s role within NHS services. In the next phase of her research, she plans to test these mechanisms to further understand how VR can transform pain management.

You can read a transcript of the conversation here.

Find out more about the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership at southcoastdtp.ac.uk

This is a Research Podcasts production.

Credits:

Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research Podcasts

Guest: Cheryl Williams, University of Portsmouth

Producer: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research Podcasts

Editor: Anton Jarvis, Research Podcasts

Transcripts: Lauren White, Research Podcasts

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