Virtual Reality to Reduce Anxiety, Agitation and Delirium in Critically Ill Patients
Eligible age
All ages
Accepts
All genders
Locations
1 state
Healthy volunteers
Yes
See if you qualify for this study
Answer a few quick questions about your location and health. Takes about a minute.
About this study
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
Sponsor: Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
You may qualify if…
- ✓ 1. Aged ≥ 18 years old admitted to the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.
- ✓ 2. No significant uncorrectable visual or auditory impairments
- ✓ 3. Estimated ICU length of stay \> 48h
- ✓ 4. 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.
- ✓ 5. English speaking
You may not qualify if…
- ✕ 1. Significant hemodynamic instability
- ✕ 2. Known psychotic disorders associated with delusions (e.g. schizophrenia)
- ✕ 3. Severe dementia (e.g. inability to communicate or follow simple commands)
- ✕ 4. History of disequilibrium syndrome or vertigo
- ✕ 5. Acute hyperactive delirium, requiring physical restraints
Where it's recruiting
Hershey
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · NCT07649876 · last updated 2026-06-22