Virtual Reality as a Tool for Wellbeing in Public Healthcare: Analysis of a Clinical Case.

BACKGROUND

Virtual Reality (VR) is a technology that enables the creation of immersive, interactive, and collaborative environments, with extensive applications in the realm of e-Health.

METHODS

This study aimed to reduce stress and anxiety in hospitalised patients by employing guided virtual scenarios and non-invasive biosensors.

RESULTS

During the initial experimental phase, conducted on 33 patients in a cardiac rehabilitation ward, improvements were observed in stress levels (-11.3%), depression (-4.2%), and anxiety (-3.2%). Supporting these results, a specific clinical case analysis revealed significant improvements in an 82-year-old woman with moderate depression and severe social isolation. Following the VR intervention, the patient experienced a substantial reduction in isolation, heightened motivation for daily activities, and enhanced social interaction quality, with a 35% increase in perceived quality of life. Physiological improvements included reduced sympathetic nervous system arousal and greater heart rate variability stability.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings underscore VR's potential to promote psychophysical wellbeing and improve healthcare service quality, advocating innovative preventive and therapeutic methods.