Authors (including presenting author) :
Wan T(1), Chan TN(1), Ip CK(2), Wong CL(3), Lui SF(1), Shun KW(1), Wu YK(1), Cheng HY(3)
Affiliation :
(1)Department of Psychiatry, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, (2)Department of Psychiatry, Tai Po Hospital, (3)The Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Introduction :
Acute psychiatric crises often culminate in heightened psychological stress and an augmented risk of violent incidents within psychiatric wards. While traditional mindfulness interventions were effective in stress reduction, the patients usually face cognitive challenges that hinder their ability to focus. Moreover, face-to-face mindful interventions are usually manpower intensive and inconsistent in intervention delivered. Therefore, delivering the mindfulness intervention via virtual-reality (VR) could be a potential solution to enhance psychiatric care.
Objectives :
(1) To examine acceptability and feasibility of VR-based mindful practice; (2) To examine preliminary effects on stress levels compared with audio-guided practice.
Methodology :
This project adopted a pre-and post-test study design with psychiatric inpatients whose stress level was assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS). Intervention group practised a single 15-minute VR mindful practice of body scan using VR console (Oculus Quest 3: Meta), whereas control group practised the audio-guided mindful practice of body scan via earphones with the same content and length. Acceptability and feasibility were evaluated by (1) satisfaction questionnaire; (2) individual semi-structured interviews; while preliminary effect on stress level was evaluated by 10-point VAS (0=no stress, 10=extremely stressful). Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare within-group mean difference and Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare between-group mean difference. Qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis.
Result & Outcome :
24 eligible patients were recruited and assigned to intervention (14 patients) and control groups (10 patients). 91.6% were female and all completed the study. The intervention group reported a mean satisfaction score of 27.5/32, with all recommending VR mindful practice to others. Positive feedback, including facilitating detachment from reality, minimal external distractions, beautiful landscape, and cute character as facilitators to participate and adhere. No barriers were identified. Suggestions included adding nature sounds, expanding background options, and incorporating stretching exercises. Both groups showed significant VAS score reductions (intervention group Z=-3.02, p=0.003; control group Z=-2.24, p=0.025). The intervention group exhibited a significantly greater VAS score reduction compared to control group (Z=-2.74, p=0.005, two-tailed).The integrating VR-based mindful practice harnesses digital advancements to enhance care for psychiatric inpatients and aid those experiencing psychological distress. It is feasible in clinical settings and well-accepted by psychiatric patients.
