Virtual Reality as a Tool for Wellbeing in Public Healthcare: Analysis of a Clinical Case.

Abstract

Background: Virtual Reality (VR) is a technology that enables the creation of immersive, interactive, and collaborative environments, with extensive applications in the realm of e-Health.

Methods: This study aimed to reduce stress and anxiety in hospitalised patients by employing guided virtual scenarios and non-invasive biosensors.

Results: During the initial experimental phase, conducted on 33 patients in a cardiac rehabilitation ward, improvements were observed in stress levels (-11.3%), depression (-4.2%), and anxiety (-3.2%). Supporting these results, a specific clinical case analysis revealed significant improvements in an 82-year-old woman with moderate depression and severe social isolation. Following the VR intervention, the patient experienced a substantial reduction in isolation, heightened motivation for daily activities, and enhanced social interaction quality, with a 35% increase in perceived quality of life. Physiological improvements included reduced sympathetic nervous system arousal and greater heart rate variability stability.

Conclusions: These findings underscore VR's potential to promote psychophysical wellbeing and improve healthcare service quality, advocating innovative preventive and therapeutic methods.