Virtual Reality Relaxation for Staff Wellbeing on a Psychiatric Rehabilitation Ward: A Feasibility and Acceptability Study

Abstract

Aim: Mental health staff, particularly those delivering inpatient services, may experience poor wellbeing due to time-pressured, stressful work. Existing staff wellbeing interventions are limited, so there is a need for novel, accessible support. Virtual reality (VR) relaxation has potential to support wellbeing; this study aimed to evaluate feasibility and acceptability of VR relaxation for staff on a psychiatric rehabilitation ward. Method: Ward staff were offered a single session of VR relaxation. Wearing a VR head-mounted display, participants could explore immersive, relaxing, virtual environments of natural scenery. Feasibility was measured by assessing completion rate of session components, time spent in VR, and number of environments accessed. Acceptability was measured by comparing pre- and post-VR visual analogue scales (VAS), from 0 ('not at all') to 10 ('very'), of relaxation, stress, anxiety, sadness, happiness, and connectedness to nature; by reporting post-VR immersion and helpfulness VAS, and post-session narrative feedback. Results: Participants (N = 14) were mostly female; half were nurses and others were from various professions. Post-VR, there were significant increases in relaxation, connectedness to nature (both large effects) and happiness (medium effect); there were also significant decreases in stress, anxiety (both large effects) and sadness (small effect). Immersion and helpfulness ratings were both >7. Participants reported that the VR was relaxing, a positive distraction from work-related stress, they liked the interactive elements, and were keen to receive more regular sessions. Conclusion: VR relaxation appears feasible and acceptable to support staff wellbeing on psychiatric wards and there is potential for wider implementation.