Virtual Reality-based Sensory Stimulation for Delirium Prevention in Intensive Care Units
Virtual Reality-based Sensory Stimulation for Delirium Prevention in Intensive Care Units: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Chinese University of Hong Kong
300 participants
Jan 1, 2026
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether virtual reality (VR)-based sensory stimulation can help prevent delirium in adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients, compared with an active control condition delivering the same nature-based audiovisual content via a tablet. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Does VR-based sensory stimulation delay the time to the first delirium event during ICU stay? 2. Does VR-based sensory stimulation reduce delirium incidence, duration, and severity? 3. What are the effects of the intervention on ICU length of stay, duration of mechanical ventilation, cognitive function at 3 months after ICU discharge, and health-related quality of life? Researchers will compare immersive VR-based sensory stimulation with a non-immersive tablet-based active control to assess the added value of immersion beyond the effects of sensory content alone. Participants will: 1. Receive either immersive VR-based sensory stimulation or tablet-based sensory stimulation 2. Receive one 20-minute session per day for up to 3 days during ICU stay Undergo twice-daily delirium assessments during ICU stay Complete follow-up assessments of cognitive function and health-related quality of life at 3 months after ICU discharge
Eligibility
Plain Language Summary
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This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.
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Interventions
Participants received immersive VR-based sensory stimulation delivered through a head-mounted display with over-ear headphones. The intervention consisted of nature-based audiovisual content delivered at the bedside by trained ICU nurses for 20 minutes once daily for up to 3 days.
Participants received the same nature-based audiovisual content through a tablet in a non-immersive format for 20 minutes once daily for up to 3 days during ICU stay.
Locations(1)
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NCT07806422