TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2023//
TI  - Integrating a virtual reality relaxation clinic within acute psychiatric services: a pilot study
JO  - Psychiatry research
A1  - Riches, Simon
A1  - Nicholson, Sarah L.
A1  - Fialho, Carolina
A1  - Little, Jordan
A1  - Ahmed, Lava
A1  - McIntosh, Harley
A1  - Kaleva, Ina
A1  - Sandford, Tom
A1  - Cockburn, Rebecca
A1  - Odoi, Clarissa
A1  - Azevedo, Lisa
A1  - Vasile, Ruxandra
A1  - Payne-Gill, James
A1  - Fisher, Helen L.
A1  - van Driel, Catheleine
A1  - Veling, Wim
A1  - Valmaggia, Lucia
A1  - Rumball, Freya
SP  - e115477
EP  - e115477
VL  - 329
IS  - 
N2  - People with acute psychiatric conditions experience heightened stress, which is associated with worsened symptoms and increased violence on psychiatric wards. Traditional stress management techniques can be challenging for patients. Virtual reality (VR) relaxation appears promising to reduce stress; however, research on VR for psychiatric wards is limited. This mixed-methods study investigated feasibility and acceptability of integrating a VR relaxation clinic within acute psychiatric services. The study evaluated a VR relaxation session for inpatients and outpatients with acute psychiatric conditions (N = 42) and therapists' (N = 6) experience facilitating VR sessions for patients. Self-report assessments of psychological wellbeing were completed by patients pre- and post-VR. Patients and therapists provided qualitative feedback. The number of violent incidents and restrictive practices on the wards in the 12 weeks before VR implementation was compared to the first 12 weeks of VR. Post-VR, there were statistically significant increases in patients' relaxation, happiness, and connectedness to nature, and decreases in stress, anxiety, and sadness. Qualitative findings indicate patients found sessions enjoyable, relaxing, and helpful. Therapists provided positive feedback but highlighted practical challenges. Violent incidents and restrictive practices halved during VR implementation. VR relaxation appears feasible and acceptable in acute services. Larger studies should evaluate potential impact on psychiatric wards.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 0165-1781
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115477
ID  - ref1
ER  -