The human touch behind the virtual technology for preparing child cancer patients
Por Jimmy Chow — South China Morning Post – News feed
Advertisement Hong Kong society Hong Kong Society The human touch behind the virtual technology for preparing child cancer patients
Spirit of Hong Kong Awards finalist Shara Lee created HEROCARE, a simulation programme that calms the nerves of young radiotherapy patients
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Jimmy Chow Published: 12:15pm, 19 Oct 2026
Hong Kong Polytechnic University professor Shara Lee Wee-yee has been using a mixed reality programme to reduce the fear and uncertainty children face before radiotherapy, with personalised rehearsals that allow families to experience the treatment journey before entering hospital.
The simulation programme, HEROCARE, was also a tool that helped carers understand what to expect and for future radiotherapists to develop the empathy and communication skills that patient care required, she noted.
Lee is a finalist in the innovation category of this year’s Spirit of Hong Kong Awards , co-organised by Sino Group and the South China Morning Post.
HEROCARE recreates hospital radiotherapy environments within PolyU’s Hybrid Immersive Virtual Environment (HiVE).
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