Virtual Reality-Based Transitional Care for ICU Survivors

Impact of a Virtual Reality-Based Transitional Care Program on Heart Rate Variability, Pain, Relocation Stress, and Unplanned ICU Readmission Among Adult ICU Survivors: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a virtual reality (VR)-based transitional care program for adult survivors of intensive care unit (ICU) care. ICU survivors frequently experience relocation stress, anxiety, pain, and physiological instability after transfer from the ICU to general wards, which may increase the risk of unplanned ICU readmission.

Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either standard transitional care or additional VR-based intervention sessions during their ICU stay. The VR intervention is designed to provide psychological support, environmental orientation, and stress reduction.

Primary outcomes include short-term physiological indicators within 48 hours after ICU transfer. Secondary outcomes include pain, relocation stress, and unplanned ICU readmission within 7 days.

This is a single-center, randomized controlled trial designed to investigate the effects of a virtual reality (VR)-based transitional care intervention on physiological stability and psychological adaptation among adult ICU survivors.

Critically ill patients often experience relocation stress syndrome following transfer from the ICU to general wards. This transition period is associated with increased anxiety, pain perception, autonomic imbalance, and a higher risk of unplanned ICU readmission.

Eligible participants will be randomized using block randomization into the intervention or control group. The intervention group will receive three VR sessions during their ICU stay in addition to standard transitional care. The control group will receive standard care alone.

The primary outcome is short-term physiological stability measured within 48 hours after ICU transfer. Secondary outcomes include heart rate variability parameters, pain intensity, relocation stress, and unplanned ICU readmission within 7 days.

This study seeks to determine whether VR-assisted transitional care can enhance recovery, reduce stress-related responses, and improve patient outcomes following ICU discharge.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 20 years or older
• Adult patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU)
• Planned transfer from ICU to the general ward
• Able to communicate and provide informed consent or have a legal representative provide consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Severe cognitive impairment or delirium preventing participation
• Severe visual or hearing impairment interfering with VR use
• Hemodynamic instability requiring immediate life-saving intervention
• Isolation precautions prohibiting device use
• Participation in another interventional study that may affect outcomes