Virtual Reality in Inpatients

This study is being conducted as a pilot to test the feasibility, usability, acceptability, and clinical utility of using a virtual reality (VR) immersion experience in the inpatient setting. In addition to determining whether the patients enjoy the experience and would like to participate in a future more tailored immersion in virtual reality, we will be attempting to determine whether there are any positive impacts on their visit, including a distraction from their pain or anxiety associated with their procedures or the reason they have been admitted to the hospital. Because the inpatient population at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (CSMC) is dynamic and diagnostically diverse, we intend to develop a series of VR interventions that broadly address patient concerns. VR has only been tested in select patient populations, so we are equally interested in the feasibility of deploying VR across the inpatient hospital environment as we are in demonstrating some effectiveness in reducing pain and anxiety, and improving satisfaction. The present study has the following aims: 1. Adapting existing VR environments for inpatients with a variety of impairments, utilizing cost-effective VR hardware (Phase 1). 2. Assess the usability and acceptability of the VR equipment and software by hospital inpatients by conducting qualitative interviews (Phase 2). 3. Assess the clinical utility of the VR intervention by measuring patient reported outcomes using a modified care satisfaction survey, administered to inpatients receiving VR and a matched control sample (Phase 3). Concerning Aims 2 and 3, we hypothesize the following: 1. Inpatients will find the VR intervention helpful and enjoyable, and will believe that its benefits outweigh any difficulties encountered using the hardware or software. 2. Inpatients who are exposed to the VR intervention will report significantly improved pain management, greater satisfaction with their inpatient visit, and greater overall health compared to