Bedside virtual reality mindfulness for hospitalized adults
Official title: Healing Hearts of Hospitalized Patients With Virtual Reality: A Pragmatic, Crossover Trial
Run by Stanford University · NCT06935604 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A VR mindfulness experience is being tested at the bedside to see if it improves well-being and psychosocial outcomes for adults in the hospital compared with standard care.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 99 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 42 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Stanford University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Palo Alto, California) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 7, 2026 |
| Main results expected | May 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | May 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | August 18, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06935604 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 18 or older who can consent, follow instructions, and operate VR equipment, are English-speaking, and are clinically stable.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with severe cognitive impairment, unstable condition, facial trauma, neurological history requiring caution with VR, significant motion sickness, active nausea, or severe visual impairment may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional study at Stanford Health Care looks at whether a bedside-delivered virtual reality mindfulness program can enhance well-being and psychosocial health in hospitalized adults. Participants will use a VR mindfulness application in addition to standard care, with outcomes compared to those receiving standard care alone. Eligibility requires adults 18 and older who can consent, follow instructions, and operate VR equipment, while excluding those with conditions that could complicate headset use or VR exposure. The study is led by Stanford University with no listed collaborators and is conducted at SHC in Palo Alto, CA. The detailed design and endpoints are not provided in the available summary.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients may experience improved mood, reduced anxiety, and better overall well-being during hospitalization.
How similar studies have gone: Previous use of VR-based relaxation and mindfulness in hospital settings has shown potential benefits, though results can vary by population and implementation.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18 years and above * Able to provide informed consent * Able to follow verbal instructions * Adequate motor skills for upper extremities to operate VR equipment * Clinically stable * English speaking * Willing to participate in mindfulness activities Exclusion Criteria: * Severe cognitive impairment * Clinically unstable * Facial trauma prohibiting headset use * Physical limitations in facial, neck, upper extremities that hinder use of VR equipment * History of seizures or other neurological conditions * Severe motion sickness * Active nausea * Severe visual impairment * Severe cognitive impairment
Where it's running
-
Stanford Health Care (SHC)
Palo Alto, California, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Thomas Caruso, MD, PhD
- Email: tjcaruso@stanford.edu
- Phone: 6504970927
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.