Family Videos and Virtual Reality in Intensive Care Patients

Effects of Family Videos and Virtual Reality-Based Nature Videos on Anxiety, Agitation, Pain, and Vital Signs in Intensive Care Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of family videos and virtual reality-based nature videos on anxiety, agitation, pain, and vital signs in adult intensive care unit patients. A total of 72 participants were randomly assigned to three parallel groups: a family video group (n=24), a family video plus virtual reality-based nature video group (n=24), and a standard care control group (n=24). Anxiety, agitation, pain, and vital signs were assessed before and after the interventions during the second and third days of intensive care.

Intensive care unit patients may experience psychological and physiological problems such as anxiety, agitation, and pain because of the stressful and isolating nature of the intensive care environment. This randomized controlled trial evaluated family-based visual support and virtual reality-based nature videos as non-pharmacological supportive interventions in adult intensive care unit patients.

Participants were randomly assigned to one of three parallel groups. In the first intervention group, participants watched five-minute family videos twice daily. In the second intervention group, participants watched five-minute family videos twice daily and additionally viewed nature-themed videos using a virtual reality headset once daily for approximately 15-20 minutes. Participants in the control group received standard treatment and nursing care without a study-specific video or virtual reality intervention.

The interventions and assessments were performed on the second and third days of intensive care after the patients' clinical condition had been evaluated and approved by a physician. Anxiety, agitation, and pain were assessed immediately before and after the interventions. Vital signs were obtained from routine clinical monitoring records. During virtual reality sessions, the researcher remained with the participant and monitored for possible adverse effects such as dizziness

Inclusion Criteria:

Aged 18-80 years

• Hospitalized in an intensive care unit
• Conscious and able to communicate
• Willing to participate in the study
• At least literate
• Able to speak Turkish
• No diagnosed psychiatric disorder
• Hospitalized in the intensive care unit for at least two days

Exclusion Criteria:

Visual or hearing impairment

• Being intubated
• Cognitive, sensory, or verbal impairment preventing communication
• Use of sedative, anxiolytic, or similar medications