Virtual Reality-Based Parent Education to Improve Care in Neonatal Intensive Care Units Randomized Trial Comparing VR and Standard Education for Parents of Hospitalized Newborns

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the use of virtual reality VR to enhance parent education in neonatal intensive care units NICU. This pilot randomized trial aims to compare VR-enhanced education with standard NICU parent education to see if immersive VR training improves parents knowledge, confidence, and caregiving skills. The study also examines the safety and acceptability of VR use among parents of hospitalized neonates. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups one group receives VR-enhanced parent education involving immersive NICU orientation and caregiving simulation sessions delivered via a VR headset, followed by structured debriefing. The other group receives routine NICU parent education through verbal instructions and printed materials as per standard practice. These interventions are delivered during the hospital stay in the NICU. Parents will complete assessments of their caregiving knowledge and skills, and observations of caregiving practices will be conducted by trained observers unaware of group assignments. The study also monitors VR tolerability and user experience. The primary outcome, parental NICU caregiving practices, will be evaluated within 24 to 48 hours after completing the education intervention. The trials results will help determine feasibility and inform future larger studies aimed at improving family-centered care in NICU settings.

Virtual Reality-Enhanced Parent Education in Neonatal Intensive Care