Stress, Work Place clinical trials

Virtual Reality Program to Reduce Stress in Neonatal Nurses

Background: In the context of neonatal care, the increasing complexity of medical interventions poses challenges to nurses, contributing to elevated workplace stress. This stress can impact the well-being of nurses and the overall quality of patient care. Despite the documented significance of workplace stress, there is a scarcity of research on effective stress management interventions for neonatal care nurses. This pilot study aims to explore the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of a virtual reality (VR) intervention on stress reduction among nurses in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at CHU Sainte-Justine. Methods: A randomized intra-subject clinical trial will be conducted, involving 30 NICU nurses and nurse assistants. Participants will act as their own controls, receiving both experimental (VR) and control (tablet gaming) interventions in a random sequence. The study will assess the feasibility of the interventions, clinical trial procedures, and participant satisfaction. Stress levels will be measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (Trait subscale), Nurse Stress Scale, Stress Numerical Rating Scale-11, and salivary alpha-amylase. Additionally, participants will provide sociodemographic information, and the study will evaluate the perceived clinical workload during intervention sessions. Interventions: The study will employ Paperplane Therapeutics' VR program, INSPIRE, designed to offer a multisensory relaxation experience. The control intervention involves tablet gaming during breaks. Both interventions will be 15 minutes in duration, implemented over five weeks. Results: The study aims to provide insights into the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of VR-based stress management interventions for NICU nurses. Data analysis will involve statistical comparisons of stress measures between VR and control interventions, contributing to the evidence base for implementing workplace stress reduction programs. Conclusion: This research addresses a critical gap in the literature by investigating the potential benefits of VR interventions for stress reduction among NICU nurses. If successful, this approach could enhance workplace well-being, job satisfaction, and overall nursing care quality, leading to broader implications for stress management strategies in healthcare settings.