Virtual reality to support the wellbeing of NHS mental health staff in the workplace

Healthcare workers face immense stress due to high-pressure environments and the challenge of balancing patient care with their own wellbeing. Mental health professionals, in particular, report poorer wellbeing compared to other healthcare sectors. Traditional stress management interventions, while beneficial, often prove challenging to implement due to time constraints and demanding work conditions. All of these issues prompted me to explore VR as a potential solution for mental health staff in the workplace.

What we did

• Our project aimed to evaluate a VR-based wellbeing intervention for mental health staff at the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust.

• We recruited 43 staff members from a wide range of professional backgrounds and work settings.

• They experienced a VR session using Meta Quest 2 headsets and apps that promoted immersive natural environments, creative expression, and guided meditations.

What we found

Our findings were promising. After the VR sessions, participants reported significant increases in wellbeing and happiness and decreases in stress and anxiety. Most found the VR experience positive, relaxing, and a helpful escape from work stress. They valued the VR intervention and expressed enthusiasm for its continued use. Some suggested more interactive features and increased accessibility.

Conclusions

Our project suggests that VR relaxation is a feasible and helpful intervention for improving staff wellbeing in busy healthcare settings and in other workplaces. It highlights the importance of user experience and the potential for more interactive and multi-sensory VR experiences. Overall, there appears to be huge potential to use VR to manage stress in the workplace and to promote workplace wellbeing.

This study was published in the Journal of Workplace Behavioural Health. You can read the full published article here

#virtualreality #vr #healthtech #mentalwellbeing #mentalhealth #relaxation #technology #virtualrelaxation #immersivetechnology #healthcareworkers #NHS

Virtual Reality and Immersive Technologies to Promote Workplace Wellbeing

Work-related stress affects millions globally, contributing to both mental and physical health issues. This is a growing problem and so stress management solutions are more crucial than ever.

Organisations have started implementing stress management interventions during the workday. While these approaches have shown promise in enhancing employee wellbeing, they may not suit fast-paced work environments or be consistently engaging for all employees. Clearly, novel approaches are needed to address this problem!

In this blog, want to share the findings of a systematic review that I carried out. The review looks at the evidence for using virtual reality and immersive technologies to promote workplace wellbeing and reduce stress in the workforce.

Immersive Technologies: A New Approach

Immersive technologies, like VR, offer innovative ways to manage stress at work. VR and other immersive environments, such as multi-sensory rooms and spatialized audio environments, provide unique solutions. For example, VR relaxation uses head-mounted displays to immerse users in calming virtual environments, often using natural scenery and soothing music.

Reviewing the evidence

To explore the potential of these technologies, we conducted a systematic review of existing studies. We searched multiple academic databases for all relevant studies. We focused on studies testing immersive technologies designed for workplace wellbeing and excluded those related to training or non-work-related uses. Our goal in this review was to synthesize evidence on the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of VR and other immersive technologies in promoting workplace wellbeing.

Results and Findings

We identified 17 studies involving 1,270 participants. Most studies used VR headsets to provide immersive, nature-based relaxation experiences. The results were promising:

• Feasibility: VR was a practical and intuitive tool for stress management, particularly for those lacking access to outdoor spaces.

• Acceptability: Participants enjoyed VR interventions and recommended them for workplace wellbeing.

• Effectiveness: VR significantly reduced stress, improved relaxation, and boosted mood. Even brief sessions were beneficial.

Conclusion

Immersive technologies like VR offer a promising solution for workplace stress management. These tools could play a crucial role in supporting employee wellbeing and productivity.

Find out more

This study was published in the Journal of Mental Health. You can read the full published article here

#virtualreality #vr #healthtech #mentalwellbeing #mentalhealth #relaxation #technology #virtualrelaxation #immersivetechnology

The Metaverse as a Therapeutic Space

In today's world, increased global stressors have led to a surge in mental health and wellbeing-related concerns. As a psychologist and mental health researcher, I've seen first-hand the urgent need for novel interventions to address these challenges, particularly for marginalized groups.

In a new journal article, I highlight the public health benefits of virtual reality and immersive technologies designed to enhance wellbeing and reduce stress. The potential for these technologies to create therapeutic environments in the metaverse is particularly exciting and in this blog post I want to summarise some of the key points from the article. 

Real-World Applications and Benefits

VR already supports various self-help interventions, such as relaxation, mindfulness, and behavioral activation. Users can immerse themselves in calming virtual environments, which often include guided meditations and soothing music. This immersive experience can be more effective than traditional relaxation methods, as it counteracts distractions and increases engagement. Furthermore, VR-based psychological interventions, grounded in cognitive-behavioral approaches, have shown effectiveness for anxiety and phobias. 

Collaborative Efforts in the Metaverse

VR-based interventions have an important role in the metaverse. However, for the metaverse to realize its full potential as a therapeutic space, it's crucial that its development involves mental health professionals. These experts can ensure appropriate regulation, address ethical issues, and maximize the therapeutic benefits of VR. By working together, clinicians and industry leaders can create a metaverse that fosters happiness, enjoyment, and relaxation, rather than one plagued by toxic online experiences. 

The Role of Mental Health Professionals

Mental health professionals' input is crucial in developing the metaverse. Their expertise can guide the creation of therapeutic environments that cater to diverse needs. Clinicians can help design VR experiences that build confidence and self-esteem in users. This collaborative effort can ensure the metaverse becomes a space where people engage in positive, aspirational activities that might otherwise be inaccessible in the real world. 

Addressing Ethical Concerns

However, it's essential to address potential ethical and privacy concerns. Mental health professionals can help navigate these issues, ensuring that the use of data within the metaverse is transparent and respects user privacy. This collaboration can minimize potential harm and optimize the wellness-related aspects of virtual experiences. 

The Future of Wellbeing in the Metaverse

The partnership between clinicians and industry has the potential to revolutionize public wellbeing. By integrating therapeutic interventions within the metaverse, we can create a space that enhances mental health. This innovative approach could lead to significant societal benefits, making the metaverse a truly therapeutic environment.

This article was published in the International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction

You can read the full published article here

#virtualreality #vr #healthtech #mentalwellbeing #mentalhealth #relaxation #technology #virtualrelaxation #nhs

Virtual reality relaxation for mental health staff in complex care services

As the co-ordinator for this project, I am excited to share our journey and findings on the impact of virtual reality relaxation for mental health staff in challenging clinical settings. The high-stress environments in which these healthcare professionals work demand effective interventions to support and enhance their wellbeing.

What we did

Recognizing the intense stress and demanding nature of mental health work, we explored the potential of VR relaxation as a supportive intervention. Our team focused on complex care settings in South London, including both outpatient and inpatient services. We offered a single-session VR relaxation experience using Oculus headsets, immersing participants in serene virtual environments like beaches and coral reefs.

How We Did It

The VR sessions, guided by trained assistant psychologists, were designed to be simple and engaging. Participants were from diverse professional backgrounds and used the VR for about 30 minutes on average. They rated their relaxation, stress, anxiety, and other emotional states before and after the VR session.

What We Found

The results were promising. Across our 22 participants, we observed significant improvements post-VR: increased relaxation, happiness, and connectedness to nature, alongside reduced stress and anxiety. These changes were notable in both outpatient and inpatient staff, although the latter group showed a significant decrease in sadness as well.

Participants found the VR experience not only relaxing and soothing but also a refreshing escape from work-related stress. They described the experience as immersive and a positive distraction, with some even planning to incorporate similar relaxation practices into their daily routines.

Challenges and Reflections

Implementing VR in busy inpatient settings posed some challenges, such as scheduling and finding quiet spaces. Despite these hurdles, the overwhelmingly positive feedback suggests that VR relaxation could be a valuable tool for staff wellbeing in healthcare settings. Participants recommended future improvements, including more varied environments and better physical comfort during sessions.

Looking Ahead

This study highlights the potential of VR relaxation as an accessible and engaging intervention for mental health professionals. While our sample size was relatively small, the significant positive impacts observed suggest that wider implementation could be beneficial in reducing stress and improving overall staff wellbeing in high-stress workplaces.

In conclusion, our VR relaxation study indicates a promising avenue for supporting mental health staff. By providing an immersive and engaging break from their demanding roles, we can help foster a healthier and more resilient workforce.

Thanks to my collaborators Grace Williams, Eugenia Drini, and Mariam Riaz for all their work on this project.

This study was published in the academic journal Mental Health & Prevention.

You can read the published article here

#virtualreality #vr #healthtech #mentalwellbeing #mentalhealth #relaxation #technology #virtualrelaxation

How virtual reality can improve mental health and wellbeing

Virtual reality is showing significant promise in improving mental health and wellbeing. I think that this is such an interesting application of this technology. In this blog post, I present some of the key ways in which virtual reality is being used to enhance mental wellbeing.

Exposure Therapy

• Virtual reality can simulate environments and scenarios that allow individuals to face their fears or anxieties in a controlled and safe manner. This is particularly useful for treating phobias, posttraumatic stress disorder, and anxiety disorders. For example, someone with a fear of heights can gradually be exposed to greater heights in a virtual setting, and - with the support of a therapist - learn to manage this fear.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

• Virtual reality can facilitate cognitive behavioural therapy by creating immersive scenarios where people can practice coping strategies and behavioural techniques. This helps with several mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety.

Pain Management

• Virtual reality can support people to manage pain by immersing them in calming and engaging virtual environments. This can reduce pain perception in specific situations or help those suffering from chronic pain.

Relaxation

• Virtual reality can transport users to tranquil environments, facilitating relaxation, meditation, and mindfulness. This can reduce stress, anxiety, and promote overall mental wellbeing.

Social Skills Training

• For people with social anxiety or those who find social situations challenging, virtual reality provides a platform to practice social interactions in a low-risk environment. This can help improve confidence and social functioning in real-life situations.

Addiction Treatment

• Virtual reality can simulate scenarios that might trigger cravings in people with addictions, allowing them to practice coping strategies in a safe environment. This helps in building resilience against triggers in real-life situations.

Assessment and Diagnosis

• Virtual reality can create standardised environments for clinicians to assess mental health conditions. This can improve diagnosis and enable treatments to be adapted to individual needs.

Support Groups and Therapy

• Virtual reality enables the creation of virtual support groups and therapy sessions, providing access to mental health resources for individuals who may not be able to attend in-person sessions.

Rehabilitation

• For people recovering from traumatic brain injuries or strokes, virtual reality can offer cognitive rehabilitation exercises in an engaging way, helping to improve cognitive functions and emotional wellbeing.

Stress and Anxiety Reduction in Healthcare Settings

• Virtual reality can be used in hospitals or clinics to reduce pre-operative anxiety and stress, providing calming experiences before procedures.

Overall, virtual reality provides immersive, engaging, and controlled environments that can be tailored to individual therapeutic needs, making it a powerful tool in improving mental health and wellbeing.

Virtual reality relaxation for stress in young adults

I am excited to share our latest work on VR relaxation. I led a study that explored the potential of virtual reality relaxation for reducing stress in young adults, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to assess how feasible and acceptable VR relaxation is when used at home. Participants in their early to mid-twenties used VR daily, experiencing calming virtual environments like beaches and mountains. Their psychological well-being was measured before and after each session.

Key findings include:

• Short-term Benefits: Participants experienced significant improvements in relaxation, happiness, and a sense of connection to nature. They also reported reductions in stress, anxiety, and sadness.

• Feasibility and Acceptability: Despite some technical issues and decreasing interest over time, VR relaxation was found to be a practical and enjoyable stress management tool for young adults.

• Remote Delivery: The study indicated that delivering VR headsets and collecting data remotely is practical, and that young adults would engage in VR relaxation at home.

Challenges suggest that a less rigid usage schedule might be more appealing. To maintain engagement, future research could explore the optimal frequency of VR use and ways to enhance the VR experience with more interactive elements and a wider variety of virtual environments.

Overall, VR relaxation shows promise as an effective stress reduction tool for young adults, especially in high-stress situations. There is huge potential for future research and development that focuses on long-term impact, maintaining engagement, and expanding the applications of VR for stress management.

The study was published in the Journal of Technology in Behavioural Science.

You can read the published article here.

#virtualreality #vr #healthtech #mentalwellbeing #mentalhealth #relaxation #technology #youngdadults #covid19

Virtual reality relaxation for mental health patients with complex care needs

I want to share an example of our research into virtual reality (VR) relaxation, a novel approach to promoting mental wellbeing. Recently, I ran a study that delved into the potential benefits of VR relaxation for individuals facing complex mental health challenges.

Virtual reality relaxation is like taking a mini vacation for your mind. Imagine being transported to serene natural landscapes, where you can stroll along tranquil beaches, swim with dolphins, or explore lush forest trails—all from the comfort of a VR headset. And, according to our study, it can be incredibly beneficial for mental health.

We conducted a pilot study with individuals living in residential care homes and supported accommodation in South London. These participants experienced a variety of mental health conditions, from psychotic disorders to other serious challenges. They were offered a single session of VR relaxation, where they could immerse themselves in calming virtual environments.

After just one session of VR relaxation, participants reported significant increases in feelings of relaxation, happiness, and connectedness to nature. They also experienced decreases in anxiety and sadness. In other words, VR relaxation provided a powerful boost to their mental wellbeing, leaving them feeling more relaxed, uplifted, and connected to the world around them.

But the benefits didn't stop there. Participants described the experience as incredibly immersive and enjoyable, with many expressing eagerness to engage in more VR relaxation sessions in the future. They found the intervention to be a refreshing break from their daily routines, and some even expressed interest in exploring additional psychological interventions, such as therapy.

Of course, like any new technology, VR relaxation comes with its own set of challenges. Technical issues occasionally arose during the sessions, but these were quickly resolved by the facilitator. Some participants also found the VR headset to be heavy or uncomfortable, highlighting the importance of ensuring comfort and accessibility for all users.

Despite these challenges, our study paints a promising picture of the potential for VR relaxation to improve the lives of individuals with complex mental health needs. By providing a safe and immersive space for relaxation and reflection, VR offers a unique opportunity to support mental wellbeing in ways that traditional therapies may not.

Moving forward, there's a lot of exciting potential for further research and implementation of VR relaxation in mental health settings. By training more facilitators and expanding access to VR technology, we can reach a wider range of individuals in need of support. And with continued research, we can deepen our understanding of how VR relaxation impacts mental health over the long term.

In conclusion, VR relaxation isn't just a futuristic fantasy—it's a tangible tool for promoting mental wellbeing and enhancing quality of life.

This study is published in the Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Mental Health.

You can read the published article here.

#virtualreality #vr #healthtech #mentalwellbeing #mentalhealth #relaxation #technology