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Delirium

Virtual Reality Intervention for Relaxation and Distraction in Intensive Care Unit Patients

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Current study results on the use of virtual reality for relaxation and distraction in intensive care unit (ICU) patients have been published. The study, conducted by researchers at Aarhus University Hospital, aimed to identify and adapt a virtual reality intervention to meet the specific needs of patients admitted to an ICU. The research found that virtual reality was an acceptable intervention in the ICU setting, with patients experiencing relaxation and distraction using a 10-minute 360-degree natural beach film combined with nature sounds and calming music.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that less sedation has become the standard regimen in ICU patients, leading to discomfort and anxiety.
  • The researchers identified and adapted a virtual reality intervention for relaxation and distraction, involving a 10-minute 360-degree natural beach film combined with nature sounds and calming music.
  • The intervention was found to be acceptable for inducing relaxation and distraction in critically ill patients, with few or no adverse effects.
  • Nurses' acceptability of virtual reality was affected by uncertainty regarding its effect on delirium or its potential role in delirium development.
  • The study concluded that a subsequent study should examine the preliminary short effectiveness and adapt the intervention according to further findings.

Statistics:

  • 10 minutes: the duration of the virtual reality intervention.
  • 360-degree natural beach film: the type of film used in the intervention.
  • Nature sounds and calming music: the auditory stimuli combined with the visual film.
  • 1:124: the article number in the journal Pilot and Feasibility Studies.
  • 14 Feb 2024: the date of registration in Open Science Framework.
  • 2025: the year of publication for the study.
  • 11(1): the volume and issue number of the journal Pilot and Feasibility Studies.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Researchers at Aarhus University Hospital Report New Data on Delirium (Virtual reality for relaxation in intensive care unit patients: feasibility, acceptability and intervention adaptation). Mental Health Weekly Digest. November 3, 2025; p 621.
  • Pilot and Feasibility Studies. Virtual reality for relaxation in intensive care unit patients: feasibility, acceptability and intervention adaptation. 2025;11(1):124.
  • Open Science Framework. Registration DOI https://doi.

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