Immersive Virtual Reality in Mechanically Ventilated Patients

New or worsening cognitive impairment occurs in up to 58% of survivors of critical illnesses and are long-lasting with significant disability and socioeconomic cost. There are currently no known interventions that reduce the incidence of cognitive impairment after critical illnesses. Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) is the use of technology to create a perception of presence in a three-dimensional, computer-generated interactive simulated environment. Prior clinical studies have demonstrated potential efficacy in rehabilitation of severe traumatic brain injury. The investigators propose a preliminary study for the evaluation of safety, tolerability, and early efficacy of immersive virtual reality for early neurocognitive stimulation in critically-ill, mechanically ventilated patients. The investigators hypothesize that the use of IVR technology for early neurocognitive simulation is safe and tolerable in these patients. This study will also evaluate whether early application of IVR in critically ill, mechanically ventilated subjects, can provide neurocognitive stimulation. 30 patients admitted to the intensive care unit for acute respiratory failure or septic shock will be evaluated for recruitment. 10 patients will be in the control group and 20 patients would have 2 sessions of IVR planned daily for a maximum of 3 days. Assessment of safety will involve monitoring for physiological derangements in heart rate, respiratory rate, pulse oximetry and blood pressure during the IVR session. Assessment of tolerability will involve monitoring for increased agitation. Assessment of early efficacy will involve evaluation of visual attention during the IVR session. 5-channel electroencephalogram would aim to detect objective changes in visual event-related potentials and the IVR headgear will incorporate eye-tracking technology. To conclude, should IVR be feasible and safe, future interventional studies may be planned to investigate its impact on reduction in the use of sed