Patients Experience and Acceptability of using VR in Major Trauma
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Patients Experience and Acceptability of Using a Virtual Reality Headset as an adjunct to rehabilitation following major trauma: A Interview Study
IRAS ID
346340
Contact name
Bethany Kenny
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
St George's University Hospital
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Every year there are 22,000 cases of major traumatic injury (e.g. broken ribs, arms and legs) in the UK. These cause serious injuries such as broken ribs, arms, and legs. Patients can go on to have long term pain and disability following their injuries.
To help avoid lasting problems, rehabilitation must start early in hospital. It can be a gruelling process due to pain, fear of movement and worry. Research shows patients who are more worried about pain and moving can have worse outcomes (e.g. a longer recovery time, reduced physical recovery)
Reassuring and showing patients they can move safely with their injuries whilst in pain, can decrease pain, worry, and raise confidence.
Currently in a London Major Trauma hospital we are using a Virtual Reality (VR) headset as an adjunct to patients rehabilitation following traumatic injury. The aim is to give patients a more engaging way of moving with less focus on exact exercises for their injury. They have described it as “fun”, “distracting” and “enjoyable”. Some described it as “weird”, “hard work” and “challenging”.
A VR headset is computer technology that is worn over the eyes showing images and sounds. This technology can be used for games, exercises, guided relaxation, or calming scenery.
There has not been any research on the use of VR headsets to help the rehabilitation of patients recovering from multiple injuries. The aim of this research is to interview 10-15 patients who are already using VR as part of their rehabilitation following major trauma. We want to gain an understanding of their experience of using a VR headset and whether they deem it to be a helpful and acceptable intervention alongside their acute rehabilitation.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 3
REC reference
24/WS/0158
Date of REC Opinion
8 Nov 2024
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion