Virtual-reality exposure to help cabin crew return to work after mental-health sick leave
Official title: In Vitro Exposure by VR to Enhance Return to Work After Sick Leave Due to Mental Health Related Complaints
Run by Academisch Medisch Centrum - Universiteit van Amsterdam (AMC-UvA) · NCT06888999 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This pilot trial will test whether a guided virtual-reality session placing sick-listed flight cabin crew in a simulated workplace helps them return to work faster and feel more confident.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 118 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Academisch Medisch Centrum - Universiteit van Amsterdam (AMC-UvA) Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Schiphol) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 17, 2025 |
| Main results expected | November 2026 |
| Study ends | March 2027 |
| Registry record updated | January 9, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06888999 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Sick-listed flight cabin crew with mental health–related complaints who are referred by their occupational physician, can tolerate VR exposure, and provide informed consent are eligible.
✕Probably not a fit
People with epilepsy, vestibular disorders, those unable or unwilling to use VR, or whose absence is primarily due to non–work-related medical conditions may not benefit from this intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a pilot randomized controlled trial comparing usual occupational care to usual care plus at least one psychologist-guided virtual-reality (VR) exposure session that recreates the participant's workplace. Eligible participants are flight cabin crew on sick leave for mental health–related complaints who are referred by their occupational physician. The primary outcome is time to return to work measured from occupational health service registers at 6 and 12 months; secondary outcomes are self-efficacy, return-to-work cognitions, and job anxiety measured by questionnaires at baseline and 4 months. The intervention is delivered in person at the occupational health site and integrated with standard guidance from an occupational physician and psychologist.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could shorten the time to return to work and boost confidence while reducing job-related anxiety for affected cabin crew.
How similar studies have gone: While VR exposure has shown effectiveness for several anxiety-related disorders, using VR specifically to accelerate return-to-work in sick-listed airline cabin crew is a novel application with limited prior evidence.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: \- sick listed cabin crew with mental health related complaints that are referred by the occupational physician to a specific psychotherapist practice Exclusion Criteria: * epilepsy * vestibular disorder * no signed informed consent
Where it's running
-
KLM Health Services
Schiphol, Netherlands Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Roosmarijn M.C. Schelvis, PhD — Amsterdam UMC
- Study coordinator: Maartje C. Bakhuys Roozeboom, PhD
- Email: m.c.bakhuysroozeboom@amsterdamumc.nl
- Phone: 0031619352778
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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.