Virtual Reality Mindfulness for Burnout

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Ohio State University

Disqualifiers: Pregnancy, Epilepsy, Neurological conditions, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a virtual reality mindfulness program to determine its effectiveness in reducing stress and burnout among nurse managers. Participants will use VR technology during work hours to practice mindfulness, a mental exercise for focus and relaxation. The study aims to discover if this method improves work engagement, resilience, and even affects breathing rates. It seeks nurse managers or assistant nurse managers at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center who can use VR three times a week for short sessions. As an unphased trial, this study provides participants the opportunity to explore innovative stress-reduction techniques in a supportive environment.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that this virtual reality mindfulness intervention is safe?

Research has shown that using virtual reality for mindfulness is generally safe. For instance, one study found that a 10-minute VR relaxation session significantly lowered stress levels in ICU nurses, with no side effects reported. Another study noted improvements in emotional exhaustion and a reduction in feelings of detachment, indicating positive effects on mental health.

These results suggest that virtual reality mindfulness is well-tolerated and can improve mental well-being. It is important to note that this trial is a pilot study, focusing on gathering initial data and assessing how well the intervention fits into daily life. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Virtual Reality Mindfulness intervention for burnout because it offers a fresh, tech-driven approach to managing stress and emotional exhaustion. Unlike traditional methods like therapy or medication, this intervention leverages virtual reality to create immersive mindfulness experiences, potentially making it more engaging and effective. This innovative delivery method could help users feel more present and relaxed, offering a unique way to combat burnout that stands out from conventional options.

What evidence suggests that this virtual reality mindfulness intervention is effective for burnout?

Research has shown that using virtual reality (VR) for mindfulness can improve mental health. Studies have found that VR sessions can significantly reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, particularly in healthcare workers. One review noted that participants demonstrated better focus and resilience, becoming more careful and attentive. Another study highlighted that VR mindfulness is user-friendly and helps reduce stress for those in demanding jobs, such as nurses. This trial will evaluate the effectiveness of a Virtual Reality Mindfulness intervention, with one group participating during the first 8 weeks and a wait-list control group participating during the second 8 weeks. These findings suggest that VR mindfulness could help prevent burnout and increase workplace engagement. ^{5 6 7 8 9}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for nurse managers experiencing work-related stress and burnout. Participants should be interested in trying a virtual reality mindfulness program during their workday to improve stress levels, engagement, resilience, and breathing patterns.

Inclusion Criteria

Employed as a Nurse Manager or Assistant Nurse Manager at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

Manage a hospital-based department/unit with supervisory responsibility

I can use VR tech for 10-15 mins, 3 times a week at work for 8 weeks.

Exclusion Criteria

Does not have a personal smart phone or computer to access app

Medical or other conditions that would preclude use of Virtual Reality technology such as epilepsy or neurological conditions where visual stimuli may trigger seizures or other issues, sensitivity to light or motion, current pregnancy, injuries that would prevent operating a headset, history of motion sickness or nausea, history of migraines or headaches, history of balance issues or dizziness, recent concussions, or other conditions where dizziness, nausea or headaches are more likely

Pregnant

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

Participants in the intervention group receive an 8-week on-demand virtual reality mindfulness-based intervention

8 weeks

On-demand, self-administered

Wait-list Control

Participants in the wait-list control group receive the virtual reality mindfulness intervention during the second 8 weeks

8 weeks

On-demand, self-administered

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for outcomes such as perceived stress, burnout, and work engagement after the intervention

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Virtual Reality Mindfulness intervention

Trial Overview The study tests a virtual reality mindfulness program designed for the workplace. It's a pilot study with some participants starting right away while others wait (wait-list control). Researchers will measure how well it works by looking at stress, burnout, job enthusiasm, toughness, and breathing rates.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Intervention group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participation in the virtual reality mindfulness intervention the first 8 weeks

Group II: Wait-list control group Active Control 1 Intervention

will participate in the virtual reality mindfulness intervention during the second 8 weeks of the study

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Ohio State University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

891

Recruited

2,659,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

In a pilot study with 47 healthy participants, both immersive virtual reality (VR) mindfulness and computer-based mindfulness meditation effectively reduced negative emotions, but there were no significant differences in mood improvement between the two methods.

The study found that using VR did not cause simulator sickness, indicating that it is a safe and viable method for delivering mindfulness interventions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Immersive virtual reality or computerised mindfulness meditation for improving mood? Preliminary efficacy from a pilot randomised trial. Poetar, CR., Bradley, N., Voinescu, A.[2023]

A pilot study with 44 mindfulness experts using Virtual Reality (VR) for Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT®) mindfulness training showed significant improvements in state of mindfulness and reductions in negative emotions like sadness, anger, and anxiety.

Participants experienced a strong sense of presence in the VR environment and accepted it as a useful tool for mindfulness practice, suggesting that VR could enhance the accessibility and effectiveness of mindfulness training for those who struggle with traditional methods.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Meditation experts try Virtual Reality Mindfulness: A pilot study evaluation of the feasibility and acceptability of Virtual Reality to facilitate mindfulness practice in people attending a Mindfulness conference. Navarro-Haro, MV., López-Del-Hoyo, Y., Campos, D., et al.[2023]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12260462/

The Effectiveness of Virtual Reality–Based Mindfulness ... The review will provide definitive evidence regarding VR-based mindfulness interventions' effectiveness for mental health outcomes.

2. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06901193

A Virtual Reality Mindfulness-based Intervention for Nurse ... Outcomes of interest include perceived stress, burnout, work engagement, resilience and respiratory rates. System usability of the VR mindfulness program and ...

3. mental.jmir.org mental.jmir.org/2024/1/e52186/

Effectiveness of Virtual Reality–Based Well-Being ... This systematic review questions the effectiveness of VR interventions in reducing stress and promoting well-being in students and young adults.

4. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1429334/full

Effectiveness of a mindfulness-based program with virtual ... Results: Data analysis showed evidence of a significant improvement in the index of safe behavior thanks to the proposed mindfulness program ...

5. psychiatryinvestigation.org psychiatryinvestigation.org/include/download.php?filedata=1878%7Cpi-2025-0059.pdf

Impact of a Virtual Reality Stress Reduction Program on ... In the healthcare group, we observed significant reductions in stress (PSS), anxiety (HADS anxiety), and depression (HADS depression) scores ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11526413/

Psychological and physiological health outcomes of virtual ... Psychological benefits include improved anxiety, mindfulness, emotions, disease patterns, affect, stress, (presleep) arousal, meditation and others.

7. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07028788

Virtual Mindfulness and Breathing Training for Stress, ... This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a mobile- and virtual reality-based mindfulness and breathing ...

8. journals.plos.org journals.plos.org/plosone/article/file?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0319247&type=printable

Virtual reality for stress management and burnout reduction in ... A study demonstrated that a 10-minute VR relaxation intervention reduced perceived stress by 39.9% among ICU nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic ...

9. digitalcommons.liberty.edu digitalcommons.liberty.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=7386&context=doctoral

SCHOLARLY PROJECT 1 Virtual Reality Mindfulness for ... Results of the MBI tool showed a 0.91 decrease in emotional exhaustion, a 0.654 decrease in depersonalization, and a 0.18 increase in personal ...