Virtual Reality Immersion Prescribed Technology for Healthcare Providers

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), work stress encompasses the physiological and psychological reactions experienced by individuals when confronted with job demands and pressures that surpass their knowledge or capabilities, posing a challenge to their ability to cope. Role overload, ambiguity, and conflict are three types of role-related stress that impact nurses. The escalating demand for nurses has resulted in heightened levels of stress and burnout, underscoring the necessity of addressing their mental well-being. Utilizing technology can attenuate the risk of stress and burnout in nursing roles.

In high-pressure biomedical informatics departments, nurses often grapple with considerable stress due to project demands, data analysis requests, and time limitations. Introducing prescribed technology to alleviate this stress, foster self-care, and enhance overall quality of life is imperative. Virtual immersion therapy stands out as a potential technological solution capable of enhancing the mood and well-being of this group. Effectively managing work-related stress poses a significant challenge for most working adults, and the underutilization of prescribed technology in the workplace for emotional support presents a noteworthy barrier.

Implementing prescribed technologies such as virtual reality in diverse settings offers a promising approach to alleviating stress and enhancing overall well-being. This approach contributes to individual self-improvement and demonstrates the potential for extensive global implementation. Consequently, a pioneering initiative in the role of a nursing informaticist leader involves introducing innovative prescribed technologies, leveraging invaluable insights extracted from focus groups, and instilling confidence in integrating prescribed technology.

The purpose of this project is to measure nursing informaticist dimensions of user acceptance, engagement, and the subsequent impact of VR technology integration. The proposed evidence-based innovation offers a strategic approach for nursing informaticists in highly demanding roles to employ virtual reality (VR) interventions in mitigating job-related stress and enhancing overall well-being. Extensively researched and validated in the healthcare sector, VR immersive, computer-generated environments give healthcare professionals a distinct tool for stress management and well-being. In contrast to conventional methods, VR establishes a secure environment for relaxation, mindfulness, and emotional regulation, enabling professionals to disengage from demanding work settings and engage in serene experiences. By transporting users to peaceful landscapes, guided meditations, or soothing visualizations, VR redirects attention from stressors and cultivates a sense of presence and engagement. Encouraging healthcare professionals to integrate VR into their breaks fosters self-care by facilitating rejuvenation, stress management, and burnout prevention. A multitude of studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of VR interventions in reducing stress and anxiety among healthcare professionals, presenting a robust evidence-based methodology for reinforcing mental well-being. VR is a complementary adjunct to traditional stress management techniques, addressing stress at cognitive and emotional levels, engaging multiple senses, and providing a comprehensive experience. Accessible VR solutions harbor the potential to benefit a diverse array of healthcare professionals, irrespective of their roles or specialties.