Virtual Reality to Reduce Anxiety, Agitation and Delirium in Critically Ill Patients
Recruiting · NCT07649876 · Interventional (participants receive a specific treatment) · Lead sponsor: Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
View the official record on ClinicalTrials.gov →Interventions studied
What this trial is about
This is a pilot feasibility study examining the use of immersive virtual reality (VR) in adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients. The study evaluates whether brief, non-interactive VR sessions delivered using a commercially available standalone head-mounted display with calming, nature-based content can be delivered safely and effectively within routine SICU workflow. Exploratory objectives assess whether VR sessions are associated with changes in anxiety, agitation, delirium, pain, and sedative medication requirements. This research is not intended to evaluate the safety or effectiveness of the headset and/or the specific VR software used for the research
Who can take part
Inclusion criteria
- Aged ≥ 18 years old admitted to the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.
- No significant uncorrectable visual or auditory impairments
- Estimated ICU length of stay \> 48h
- At the time of each VR session, able to keep eyes open for at least 30 seconds, follow simple commands and able to indicate discomfort or request to stop.
- English speaking
Exclusion criteria
- Significant hemodynamic instability
- Known psychotic disorders associated with delusions (e.g. schizophrenia)
- Severe dementia (e.g. inability to communicate or follow simple commands)
- History of disequilibrium syndrome or vertigo
- Acute hyperactive delirium, requiring physical restraints
Where it is running
1 location listed across 1 US state.
- Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center - Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States