Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 90

Using virtual reality to reduce delirium in ICU patients

Official title: Effects of Multi-model Virtual Reality Intervention Method to Reduce the Prevalence of Delirium in ICU Patients With Mechanical Ventilation

Run by Peking Union Medical College Hospital · NCT05525702 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if using virtual reality to connect ICU patients with their families can help reduce confusion and improve their recovery while they are on a ventilator.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 90 Years
SexAll
Enrollment102 (estimated)
SponsorPeking Union Medical College Hospital
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Beijing, Beijing Municipality)
StatusRecruiting
StartedDecember 18, 2023
Main results expectedDecember 31, 2026
Study endsDecember 31, 2026
Registry record updatedMarch 27, 2026
Trial IDNCT05525702 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are mechanically ventilated ICU patients aged 18 and older who are expected to stay in the ICU for more than 72 hours.

Probably not a fit

Patients with severe visual or auditory impairments, cognitive disturbances prior to ICU admission, or those who cannot tolerate VR equipment may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of a Virtual Reality-based Family Support System (VRFS) in reducing delirium among mechanically ventilated patients in the ICU. Participants will be fitted with VR headsets and noise-canceling headphones to create a calming environment while allowing family members to provide support. The study will monitor physiological data and track delirium occurrences, sedative use, and ICU stay duration to assess the impact of the VR intervention on clinical outcomes.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce the incidence of delirium in ICU patients, leading to improved recovery outcomes.

How similar studies have gone: While the use of VR in healthcare is gaining traction, this specific application for reducing ICU delirium is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in previous studies.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria

* Mechanical ventilation duration is expected to be greater than 24 hours;
* ICU stay duration is expected to be greater than 72 hours;
* Age is 18 years or older, with no upper age limit;
* Language: Chinese. Exclusion Criteria
* Severe visual or auditory impairments (diplopia, low vision due to macular degeneration, retinopathy; severe hearing loss or deafness);
* Cognitive and consciousness disturbances prior to ICU admission;
* Severe motion sickness;
* Head trauma or surgery that prevents the wearing of equipment;
* A history of long-term use of antipsychotic and/or benzodiazepine medications.

Where it's running

  • Pumc
    Beijing, Beijing Municipality, China
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.