Can virtual reality help hospitals feel less stressful — for everyone involved?

Hospitals can be intense, high-pressure environments — not just for patients, but also for families and frontline staff. Stress, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion are widespread. Yet many stress-reduction interventions are difficult to deliver in such fast-paced clinical settings.

In my latest article, I explore the potential of VR relaxation as an innovative, practical solution to support wellbeing in general hospitals. VR allows users to step into calming, immersive environments, offering a mental reset — even during brief sessions. The article was co-authored with Grace Williams and, in this blog, I summarise some of the main ideas.

🔹 VR relaxation has already shown promise in psychiatric wards, with benefits including reduced anxiety, increased calm, and improved mood — even after short sessions.
🔹 Pilot studies suggest it’s feasible and well-received by patients, families, and staff alike.
🔹 And thanks to portable lightweight headsets, VR can be offered at the bedside, in waiting rooms, or as part of existing wellbeing hubs.

Of course, implementation has its challenges — from cost and training to acceptance and infrastructure. But with thoughtful design and ongoing research, VR could become a valuable addition to hospital wellbeing strategies.

📄 Read more about the evidence, possibilities, and next steps for research

Our full article, ‘Virtual reality relaxation for hospitals: A novel stress-reduction intervention for patients, families, and staff’ was published in the Future Healthcare Journal. You can read the published article here