Virtual reality relaxation for mental health staff in complex care services: A feasibility and acceptability study

Objective: Virtual reality (VR) relaxation has been implemented in workplaces for staff wellbeing. However, little is known about potential benefits for mental health staff who work in challenging settings who can experience high stress levels and poor wellbeing. Methods: This study evaluated implementation of a single-session VR relaxation intervention for staff in complex care mental health settings. Pre- and post-VR visual analogue scales (VAS) explored the effect of VR on wellbeing. Post-VR, VAS on helpfulness and immersiveness were recorded, participants planned a behavioural activity to explore the real-world application of VR relaxation, and narrative feedback was collected. Results: Participants (N = 22) were mostly of Black ethnicity, in their early forties, and just over half were female. There was an even mix of outpatient and inpatient staff from various professions. Most were nurses, occupational therapists, or doctors. Post-VR, for the total sample, there were significant increases in relaxation, happiness, connectedness to nature (all d>1.00 and p<0.00); and decreases in stress, anxiety (both d>1.00 and p<0.00) and sadness (d = 0.53, p = 0.02). There was no significant effect of sadness for outpatient staff, whereas inpatient staff experienced a significant decrease post-VR (d = 68, p = 0.03). Mean helpfulness and immersiveness ratings were high. All participants planned a behavioural activity, and 15 participants (68 %) carried it out. Participants found the VR intervention to be relaxing, soothing, exciting and an immersive respite from work. Conclusion: The positive findings indicate potential for wider implementation of VR-based wellbeing interventions in mental health settings and other workplaces where staff experience high stress levels.