Effect of intensive care unit-specific virtual reality (ICU-VR) to improve psychological well-being in ICU survivors: study protocol for an international, multicentre, randomised controlled trial-the HORIZON-IC study.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

A substantial proportion of intensive care unit (ICU) survivors develop psychological impairments after ICU treatment, part of the postintensive care syndrome, resulting in a decreased quality of life. Recent data suggest that an ICU-specific virtual reality intervention (ICU-VR) for post-ICU patients is feasible and safe, improves satisfaction with ICU aftercare, and might improve psychological sequelae. In the present trial, we firstly aim to determine whether ICU-VR is effective in mitigating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)-related symptoms and secondly to determine the optimal timing for initiation with ICU-VR.

Methods and analysis

This international, multicentre, randomised controlled trial will be conducted in 10 hospitals. Between December 2021 and

SUBMITTER: Vlake JH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9490570 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature