Virtual Reality-Supported Psychosocial Care for Women After Perinatal Loss

The Effect of Virtual Reality-Supported Psychosocial Care on Psychosocial Health in Women Experiencing Perinatal Loss

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the effect of virtual reality (VR)-supported psychosocial nursing care on the psychosocial health of women aged 18 and older who have experienced perinatal loss (≥20 weeks of gestation).

The main questions it aims to answer are:

Does VR-supported psychosocial care reduce depression, anxiety, stress, perinatal grief, and postpartum depression compared to psychosocial care without VR support?

Researchers will compare two groups:

VR-supported psychosocial care Psychosocial care without VR support

Participants will complete baseline psychosocial assessments during hospital admission, receive psychosocial nursing care based on Swanson's Theory of Caring - with or without VR support - during hospitalization, take part in follow-up interviews on Day 7 and Day 30 after discharge, and continue the psychosocial care process at home, including practicing breathing exercises, keeping a daily journal, and receiving supportive information about coping after perinatal loss.

Perinatal loss, typically resulting from miscarriage, stillbirth, or neonatal death, is defined as an unwanted pregnancy or infant loss. Considered a traumatic life event, perinatal loss affects the family beyond the loss of the baby, leading to feelings of hopelessness and disappointment about the future. It is a profound source of distress that can result in depression, anxiety, stress, grief, and postpartum depression.

Psychosocial nursing care for women during this period plays a critical role; however, innovative approaches are needed to enhance its effectiveness. Virtual reality (VR) technology provides an immersive environment that can promote relaxation, distract from distressing thoughts, and increase engagement in therapeutic activities. Integrating VR into psychosocial care may help address the complex emotional needs of women following perinatal loss.

This study will evaluate VR-supported psychosocial nursing care, based on Swanson's Theory of Caring, on the psychosocial health outcomes of women aged 18 years and older who have experienced perinatal loss. The intervention includes both educational content addressing physical and reproductive health needs and VR content designed to support psychosocial well-being (360° videos, e.g., forest, seaside), combined with voice-guided breathing exercises, affirmations, and guided relaxation practices.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Willingness to participate in the study
• Being 18 years of age or older
• Having access to a smartphone and the internet
• Having experienced a pregnancy loss at ≥20 weeks of gestation

Exclusion Criteria:

• Experiencing neonatal loss
• Having a diagnosed psychiatric disorder
• Having a visual or hearing impairment
• Becoming pregnant through infertility treatment
• Inability to speak or understand Turkish