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
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