The use of virtual reality headsets are now becoming a common feature in video games, but can they be beneficial in the world of heart health?

The team at Wythenshawe Cardiothoracic Critical Care Unit are proving that they are. Following a successful application to NW Hearts Charity for funding, the team have been able to purchase, train staff and commence using VR headsets which have a number of important uses.

Patients awaiting complex procedures are able to wear a head-mounted device and see, in advance, the setting, the layout and the team who will be treating them.  This alleviates the fears and anxiety for them and aid and ensures a calmer clinical experience. During some procedures, a headset can also be worn by a nervous patient and be immediately transported into an immersive virtual experience of their choice – such as a rainforest or a tropical beach.

Although, yet to be utilised, there is also an option for long-stay patients, who miss a family life event due to their hospitalisation, to use the headsets to be ‘there’ with their family and friends from their hospital bed.

Our Operations Manager met up with Charge Nurse, Keith LeBoutillier and Ward Manager, Karen Brennand to learn more about the value of this innovative project.

Consultant of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Dr Szentgyorgyi said “The VR technology is expected to bring a range of benefits, including reduced drug use (such as painkillers, anxiolytics, and anti-delirium agents), lower pain scores, improved patient experience, decreased nausea and vomiting, and overall lower costs.
These benefits have already been established in medical literature and will positively impact our cardiac patients. We are extremely grateful to NW Hearts Charity for enabling the purchase of this transformational equipment.”