Evaluating combined VR-based stress management and de-escalation training for mental health nurses

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to assess the acceptability, suitability and training impact of a virtual reality (VR)-based stress-management training tool for mental health nurses in Australia.

Background: VR is increasingly being considered a platform suitable for providing training to healthcare professionals. Barriers for adoption include both practical challenges inherent to the technology as well as end-user perceptions.

Design: We undertook a pilot feasibility study within a large public training hospital in Australia, to assess the acceptability, suitability, and training impact of the VR-based stress-management training platform, Performance Edge (PE). The program was integrated into a pre-existing one-day emotional awareness and regulation workshop at the Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service (Queensland, Australia) in September 2023.

Methods: Observational and self-report data were collected during implementation of the workshop, which integrated five VR-delivered stress-management lessons. Study participants were workshop attendees (mental health nurses) and educators involved in workshop delivery.

Results: All participants completed the workshop without encountering technical issues or adverse events. Both educators and attendees provided consistently positive feedback on PE’s usability, suitability, and relevance for healthcare settings. Participants reported increased knowledge, understanding and confidence in stress-management skills immediately and at follow-up, three to six weeks after the workshop. Moreover, clinicians reported actively using stress-management skills more after the training.

Conclusions: The VR platform offered practical stress-management skills training, which was perceived to be relevant and suitable among nursing professionals. The use of VR technology in general was also perceived as particularly valuable for this training context, providing a safe and immersive environment. By demonstrating acceptability across a range of metrics, this study supports the feasibility of using VR-delivered stress-management interventions within a clinical workforce. This feasibility trial is an important stepping stone for the broader implementation of VR within healthcare education.