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

40 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

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 data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Virtual Reality Mindfulness intervention for burnout?

Research suggests that Virtual Reality (VR) can make mindfulness exercises more engaging and effective by creating an immersive experience, which may help reduce burnout symptoms. Additionally, VR-based mindfulness has shown promise in reducing negative emotions like sadness, anger, and anxiety, which are often associated with burnout. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is Virtual Reality Mindfulness safe for humans?

Research suggests that Virtual Reality Mindfulness is generally safe for humans, with participants reporting improvements in mood and reductions in negative emotions like sadness, anger, and anxiety. However, one study noted the potential for simulator sickness, which could affect user engagement. ^{1 2 4 5 6}

How does the Virtual Reality Mindfulness treatment differ from other treatments for burnout?

Virtual Reality Mindfulness is unique because it uses immersive technology to enhance mindfulness practice, making it easier for participants to engage and stay focused. This approach can increase the sense of presence and reduce distractions, which may be particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing burnout who struggle with traditional mindfulness exercises. ^{1 2 4 7 8}

What is the purpose of this trial?

A pilot intervention wait-list control study evaluating the effectiveness of a worksite, on-demand virtual reality mindfulness intervention. Outcomes of interest include perceived stress, burnout, work engagement, resilience and respiratory rates. System usability of the VR mindfulness program and integration into the clinical workday will also be assessed for both groups.

Eligibility Criteria

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

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

Treatment Details

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.

Participant Groups

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+

Findings from Research

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]

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]

References

1. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exploring the Use of Virtual Reality for the Delivery and Practice of Stress-Management Exercises. [2021]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Incorporating Virtual Reality to Improve Otolaryngology Resident Wellness: One Institution's Experience. [2021]

3. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Interventions to reduce burnout among clinical nurses: systematic review and meta-analysis. [2023]

4. United States 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. [2023]

5. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy and Feasibility of the Minimal Therapist-Guided Four-Week Online Audio-Based Mindfulness Program 'Mindful Senses' for Burnout and Stress Reduction in Medical Personnel: A Randomized Controlled Trial. [2022]

6. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Immersive virtual reality or computerised mindfulness meditation for improving mood? Preliminary efficacy from a pilot randomised trial. [2023]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Influences of a Virtual Reality Experience on Dissociation, Mindfulness, and Self-Efficacy. [2021]

8. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Mediating Mindfulness-Based Interventions with Virtual Reality in Non-Clinical Populations: The State-of-the-Art. [2022]