For dialysis patients, life often revolves around managing their condition, with significant impacts on their physical and emotional well-being. Spending three to five hours, three times a week, connected to a dialysis machine is often monotonous and exhausting. Now, thanks to an innovative program at Kelowna General Hospital (KGH), this experience is evolving into something more engaging and uplifting. 

Donna Jansons, Program Director for Renal and Transplant Services, envisioned a way to optimize these appointments. “With so many hours spent in the chair, we wanted to improve the experience for patients—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally,” she explains.

Her vision led to the launch of a state-of-the- art virtual reality (VR) exercise program for KGH’s renal dialysis patients, the first of its kind in North America. This immersive Cycling Through Dialysis program allows patients to pedal using stationary cycle equipment, while wearing VR headsets so it looks as though they are biking though calming virtual landscapes — all from their dialysis chairs! 

The light exercise distracts patients to help pass the time, combats fatigue — a common side effect of dialysis, and improves blood circulation. Donations to the KGH Foundation purchased the innovative equipment. “Virtual reality makes the long hours of treatment so much better,” shares dialysis patient David Leslie. “It gives me something to look forward to and makes exercising easier. I now feel happier and less tired when I leave the clinic.” 

This initiative also presents an opportunity to explore how VR can enhance patient care. The second phase of the project, conducted in partnership with the University of British Columbia and Interior Health Research, will evaluate the program’s impact on patients’ physical and mental well-being. The findings from this research will help determine whether the program could be expanded to other Interior Health initiatives.

“This isn’t just about exercise,” Jansons emphasizes. “It’s about creating moments of joy and expanding the horizons of patients with a life-limiting chronic disease. Additionally, research may provide IH Digital Health with valuable insights into the potential role of VR in improving care across a range of health care environments. I’m so grateful to our renal team and all the KGH volunteers for their help with this equipment trial.” 

By blending cutting edge technology, research, and compassion, the Cycling Through Dialysis program is reshaping the dialysis experience and redefining what’s possible in patient-centered care. 

“The impact has been incredible to witness,” adds Alyssa Dietrich, Patient Care Coordinator for the Hemodialysis Clinic. “Patients are leaving the clinic feeling more