Mental health inpatients at St George’s Hospital in Stafford are being given the opportunity to explore locations around the world through a virtual reality programme designed to support wellbeing, relaxation and social connection.
Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT) has adopted the programme following a nine-month research study involving 33 patients, with participants reporting improvements in mood and opportunities to experience life beyond the hospital ward.
Exploring the world through virtual reality
The programme allows patients to take part in guided virtual field trips, using headsets to experience different locations in 360 degrees.
With the help of a personal tour guide, patients can explore their surroundings, listen to sounds and take part in discussions with other patients and staff.
The sessions are designed to provide meaningful activities for people receiving inpatient mental health care, particularly those who may experience restrictions on leaving the hospital during their admission.
The programme is delivered by the hospital’s Inpatient Occupational Therapy Team in collaboration with virtual reality providers Vae Care and Vae Health.
Nine-month study involving 33 patients
MPFT introduced the technology following a nine-month study examining the experiences of patients and staff using virtual reality as part of occupational therapy.
The research involved 33 patients across adult inpatient mental health wards and a psychiatric intensive care unit at St George’s Hospital.
Participants reported that the virtual field trips helped reduce negative thoughts, improve mood and support relaxation. They also described opportunities to develop new interests and aspirations, with many keen to take part in further sessions.
Staff reported benefits including reduced anxiety, improved interactions between staff and patients, and greater social confidence.
The findings supported the hospital’s decision to continue offering the programme as part of its occupational therapy provision.
Creating shared experiences for patients
Stephanie Haig, Advanced Occupational Therapist and Sensory Integration Practitioner at MPFT, was the principal investigator for the study.
She explained that people admitted to inpatient mental health services can face unavoidable restrictions on accessing the outside world, while social isolation, low mood and anxiety may make it difficult to participate in activities or interact with others.
The virtual reality sessions aim to address some of these difficulties by creating shared experiences that encourage conversation and engagement.
Patients are encouraged to focus on the sights and sounds of each virtual destination while listening to the tour guide and discussing what they experience with others.
Stephanie said the study had contributed to the team’s understanding of how virtual reality technology could support and enhance occupational therapy practice.
Inspiring patients beyond the hospital ward
Ben Malone, Founder and Creative Director of Vae Care, said it had been encouraging to see patients at St George’s Hospital engaging with the virtual field trips.
He highlighted feedback from one participant who said the experience had motivated them to travel and see more of the world for themselves.
The programme forms part of MPFT’s work to explore how digital technology can support patient care and provide additional opportunities for people receiving mental health treatment.
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