Intensive Care Unit Patients' Perspectives and Experiences in Using Virtual Reality Technology: A Qualitative Meta-Synthesis.

Authors

Guiling Liao, Zhiqun Liu, Tao Zhang, Zhiqiao Zhang, Yirou Ai, Qiao Jiang, Huan Wan

Published in

Nursing in critical care. Volume 31. Issue 6. Pages e70748.

Abstract

As Intensive Care Unit (ICU) survival improves, attention has shifted towards patients' psychological well-being and recovery. Although Virtual Reality (VR) is increasingly used in critical care, patients' experiences of VR interventions have not been comprehensively synthesised.
To synthesise qualitative and mixed-methods evidence regarding ICU patients' perceptions, experiences and implementation-related considerations associated with VR interventions.
A qualitative systematic review and thematic synthesis following Thomas and Harden's three-stage approach was conducted. Eight databases were searched from inception to September 2025. Studies employing qualitative methods or components of mixed methods exploring ICU patients' firsthand VR experiences were included. Methodological quality was appraised using the JBI checklist.
Eight studies involving 247 participants were included. Four analytical themes were synthesised: (A) VR as a restorative escape, (B) VR as a route from passive endurance to active participation, (C) Patient readiness and personal preference shape VR engagement, and (D) VR as a co-produced intervention requiring contextual and relational adaptation.
ICU patients perceived VR as a valuable tool that provided restorative escape and enabled active recovery, yet multiple barriers shaped its feasibility. Implementation should consider comfortable devices, customisable content and staff training. These findings inform patient-centred VR design in the ICU.
VR offers a non-pharmacological approach that may support patient well-being and recovery during an ICU stay. It can provide meaningful focus and relief from distress, while encouraging engagement with rehabilitation. Nurses play a key role in facilitating sessions and assessing patient readiness. Implementation may be enhanced by comfortable, bed-compatible devices, customisable content and staff training. While not all patients may be suitable candidates, VR appears generally acceptable and could be integrated into individualised care plans.
The review protocol had been registered in PROSPERO (International prospective register of systematic reviews). The registration number is CRD420251074650.

PMID:
42885891
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 16 Oct 2026.

Read full publication at:
Please sign in to see all details.

Stats

1-terrible, 9-excellent. How would you rate this publication? Sign in in to submit your rating.

Post a comment

You need to be signed in to post comments. You can sign in here.

Comments

There are no comments yet.