Using virtual reality music to help older adults in the hospital
Virtual Reality Based Music Intervention in an Acute Geriatric Setting
This study is testing whether virtual reality music can help improve the mental health of older adults in the hospital compared to just listening to music.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 60 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | St. Mary's Research Center, Canada Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Montreal, Quebec) |
| Trial ID | NCT06519253 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study explores the use of immersive 360 virtual reality music as a non-pharmacological intervention to improve the mental health of older adults hospitalized in acute care. Participants aged 60 and older will be provided with VR music experiences, while a control group will receive music only without the VR component. The goal is to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of this innovative approach in enhancing the well-being of geriatric inpatients. The study aims to fill a gap in existing research regarding the application of VR music interventions in hospital settings for older adults.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are older adults aged 60 and above who are medically stable and admitted to the geriatric acute unit at St. Mary's hospital.
Not a fit: Patients who are medically unstable, have severe dementia, or cannot communicate effectively in English or French may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly enhance the mental health and overall well-being of older adults during hospitalization.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of VR in healthcare is gaining traction, this specific application of VR music for older adults in acute care settings is novel and has not been extensively studied.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age of 60 years or older; * Medical stability to participate in the trial as determined by treating physician (defined as stable vital signs, absence of new medical events and deteriorating signs), * Admitted to the GAU (5 north) at St. Mary's hospital. Exclusion Criteria: * Medical instability which limits ability to participate in the study (unstable vital signs, delirium, new medical events, deteriorating signs), * Unablility to communicate in English or French, * Behavioural issues/delirium that limit participation in the study, * Those who have very severe dementia (using the Reisberg stage 7 which is defined by very limited communication ability, and dependence for all self-care * Those without sufficient auditory acuity to undergo assessment and participate in the intervention, which affects their ability to communicate their consent for this study and to listen to music * Ophthalmological conditions which affects their ability to participate in the immersive VR (recent eye surgery, severe macular degeneration, severe glaucoma, epilepsy and seizures, etc.).
Where this trial is running
Montreal, Quebec
- St.Mary's Research Centre — Montreal, Quebec, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Julia Chabot, MD
- Email: Julia.chabot@mcgill.ca
- Phone: (514) 345-3511
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.