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

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