Evaluating the Impact of Immersive Virtual Reality in an Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital
Authors:
Anna Leffler OT, OTD, OTR, Kimberly Van Daley MS, PT, & Nancy Baker OT, ScD, MPH, FAOTA
Abstract:
Immersive virtual reality (IVR) can be a valuable nonpharmaceutical based intervention for pain. Project aimed to address feasibility of implementing IVR in clinical practice. 16 patients at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Braintree participated. 7/16 reported pre- and post-pain levels with 6/7 seeing a reduction in pain with an average of a 66% reduction in symptoms. Therapists reported increased engagement and participation in therapeutic activities from their patients during IVR. Barriers to implementation in practice such as wifi/technology issues, lack of knowledge, logistics, and more, were overcome. The results of this project suggest that IVR can be an effective tool for therapists to use to increase patient motivation to participate in therapy, reduce acute pain, and increase the quality of life.
Key Words:
Virtual Reality, Inpatient Rehabilitation, Feasibility