Nurses experience 40 percent less stress if they wear VR glasses for some time during their shift. This is the conclusion of research by researcher Catheleine van Driel of the UMCG.
During the corona pandemic, the pressure on nurses was great. To do something about this, ICU nurses in the UMCG could use virtual reality relaxation or Vrelax. Previous research has already shown that the use of such VR glasses in people with a depression or psychological disorder can improve their condition.
The app consists of dozens of relaxing and interactive nature environments. From swimming with dolphins and relaxing on the beach or in the forest to participating in a singing bowl session. User reactions were: “It’s like getting away from it all on vacation” and “it puts you back in your power”.
Nurses were able to use the VR glasses in a special relaxation room during their shift, with the advice to do this for at least 10 minutes. Despite the workload, more than a quarter of all ICU nurses have used VR glasses at least once.
‘With the results of this research, we hope to give a stimulus to the broader deployment of initiatives such as Vrelax in health care. Patients and colleagues can benefit from this,’ says researcher Catheleine van Driel.
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