Evaluating Virtual Reality Therapy to Reduce Anxiety, Agitation, and Delirium in Adults in the Intensive Care Unit

What this Trial Is About

This research investigates the use of immersive virtual reality VR therapy for adult patients in a surgical intensive care unit SICU. The study focuses on whether brief, calming VR sessions using a standalone head-mounted display can be safely and effectively integrated into routine SICU care. It explores potential effects of VR on anxiety, agitation, delirium, pain, and sedative medication needs, though it does not assess the safety or effectiveness of the VR equipment or software itself. Participants will experience non-interactive VR sessions showing soothing nature scenes such as beaches, forests, and mountains delivered through a commercially available VR headset and application. The intervention is behavioral and consists of short VR exposures during the ICU stay, applied within the usual clinical workflow. This pilot feasibility study aims to evaluate the practicality of delivering VR in this setting over an intervention period lasting up to 3 days. During the study, participants will be monitored for feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness of the VR intervention using specific measures from enrollment until the end of the intervention at 3 days. Researchers will observe patient responses related to anxiety, delirium, agitation, and pain, alongside medication use. The total participation duration aligns with the ICU stay and the intervention timeframe, with continuous assessment to ensure patient comfort and safety throughout the VR sessions.

Virtual Reality to Reduce Anxiety, Agitation and Delirium in Critically Ill Patients