Virtual Reality-Supported Mindfulness Meditation in Intensive Care Patients: Investigation of Psychophysiological Changes Using Ecological Momentary Assessment

TÜBİTAK Projesi, 1002 - Hızlı Destek Programı, 2024 - 2025

Proje Türü: TÜBİTAK Projesi
Destek Programı: 1002 - Hızlı Destek Programı
Başlama Tarihi: Aralık 2024
Bitiş Tarihi: Aralık 2025

Proje Özeti

This study aims to investigate the effects of virtual reality (VR)-supported mindfulness meditation on stress, anxiety, and physiological parameters of patients in the Cardiovascular Surgery Intensive Care Unit (CVS ICU).
Intensive care units pose serious bio-psycho-social stressors for patients, which may adversely affect the recovery process. It is believed that VR-supported mindfulness meditation can contribute to the recovery process by reducing stress and anxiety levels. This quasi-experimental study is being conducted with 40 participants (20 in the intervention group and 20 in the control group).
Participants in the intervention group take part in 15-minute VR-supported mindfulness meditation sessions, while no intervention is applied to those in the control group. The study utilizes measurement tools such as the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for Stress/Anxiety, Perceived Stress Scale, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-State Version), and Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). In addition, physiological parameters such as heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation are monitored.
Data collection is currently ongoing, and data analysis and reporting are planned to be completed between October and November 2025. The study aims to address existing gaps in the literature concerning ICU patient care and is expected to provide valuable insights for the integration of VR-supported mindfulness interventions into intensive care treatment protocols.

Keywords: Virtual Reality, Mindfulness, Intensive Care, Stress, Anxiety, Cardiovascular Surgery