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RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07649876

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

Sponsor

Milton S. Hershey Medical Center

Enrollment

30 participants

Start Date

Jun 2, 2026

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Feasibility, Tolerance and Safety of VR Delivery in an Adult ICU

Summary

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

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria5

  • 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 Criteria5

  • 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

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Interventions

DEVICEVirtual reality (VR) therapy

VR sessions will use a commercially available headset with non-interactive, immersive content displaying calming nature-based content (e.g., ocean/beach scenes, forests, mountains) delivered through a commercially available VR application

Locations(1)

Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center

Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States

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NCT07649876