RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Virtual Reality Music in Geriatric Inpatients

This study is exploring a new way to help older people feel better when they're staying in hospital. It's looking at whether using virtual reality (VR) to listen to music can improve their mood and mental well-being. Many older adults in hospital need extra support, and simple, non-drug methods like music can be very helpful. VR technology, which creates an immersive 360-degree experience, has been found to be safe and enjoyable for older people. This research aims to see if adding VR to music makes it even more effective for patients in a hospital setting, comparing it to simply listening to music without VR.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

St. Mary's Research Center, Canada

Enrolment target

Start

22 May 2024

Estimated completion

22 May 2025

Older Adult Hospitalization

What is this study about?

When older adults are in hospital, it can sometimes be a difficult and stressful time, which can affect how they feel emotionally. This study wants to see if a special kind of music therapy can help. They are testing if listening to music through a virtual reality (VR) headset can make a difference to how patients feel, compared to just listening to music in the usual way. VR creates an immersive 3D world, making you feel like you're really there. The researchers believe that adding this immersive VR experience to music might be a good way to help improve the mental health and well-being of older patients during their hospital stay.

Researchers know that music can be very comforting and helpful for mental health. They also know that virtual reality has become an exciting new technology that many older adults find easy to use and enjoyable. However, until now, no one has properly studied whether combining VR with music can specifically help older patients who are unwell and staying in hospital. This study is important because it could lead to new, easy-to-use methods for hospitals to support their older patients without needing extra medicines.

The main goal is to find out if the VR music experience is more effective than just listening to music alone. By doing this, they hope to discover a simple, enjoyable way to support the mental well-being of older adults during a potentially challenging time in their lives.

Key takeaways

This study aims to discover if VR music helps older hospital patients' mental well-being.
It compares immersive VR music with regular music listening.
Participation involves listening to music, either with or without a VR headset.
The study takes place while you are in hospital at St. Mary's, Ward 5 north.
You can stop participating at any time without affecting your hospital care.
The goal is to find new, drug-free ways to support older adults in hospital.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for older adults who are 60 years or older. To join, you must be well enough medically to take part, which your doctor will confirm. This means your vital signs (like heart rate and blood pressure) are stable, and you haven't had any new serious health problems or worsening symptoms recently. You also need to be a patient on the GAU (Geriatric Assessment Unit), which is Ward 5 north at St. Mary's hospital.

There are certain reasons why someone might not be able to join. For example, if you are currently very unwell, have unstable vital signs, or are experiencing confusion (delirium), you won't be able to participate. You also need to be able to communicate in English or French. If you have very severe memory problems (dementia that makes communication very difficult) or if you have serious hearing or eyesight problems that would stop you from listening to music or using the VR headset safely (like recent eye surgery or severe glaucoma), you would not be able to join. Anyone with epilepsy or a history of seizures is also excluded.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 60 years old or older?
Are you currently a patient on Ward 5 north at St. Mary's Hospital?
Can you communicate comfortably in English or French?
Does your doctor say you are medically stable enough to participate?
Do you have good enough hearing to listen to music and good enough eyesight to use a VR headset (if applicable)?
Have you not had severe memory problems or conditions like epilepsy?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you would be asked to participate in either a virtual reality (VR) music session or a regular music listening session. The researchers will explain exactly how to use the VR headset if you are in that group. You won't be given any new medications for this study. The main part of your involvement will be the music listening sessions, and the researchers will check in with you to see how you are feeling before and after the session. The study will happen while you are an inpatient at St. Mary's Hospital, so you won't need to make extra trips. The total duration of your active involvement in the study will be relatively short, focusing on the intervention itself and talking about your experience.

Potential risks and benefits

Potential benefits of taking part could include an improved mood or a sense of relaxation during your hospital stay, whether through the immersive VR music or regular music listening. You might also find the experience enjoyable. There are very few risks, but some people might feel a little disoriented or have minor eye strain from the VR headset, though measures will be in place to make it comfortable and safe. You always have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your care.

Locations (1)

St.Mary's Research Centre
Verified postcode
Montreal, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'virtual reality'?

Virtual reality (VR) is a computer technology that lets you wear special glasses to feel like you've been transported into a different 3D world or environment, often with sounds. It creates a very immersive experience.

Will this study affect my usual hospital care?

No, taking part in this study will not affect the medical care you receive in the hospital. This is a separate activity designed to support your well-being.

Do I have to be good with technology to use VR?

Not at all. The research team will guide you through how to use the VR headset if you're in that group. They will make sure it's comfortable and easy for you to try.

What kind of music will I listen to?

The study will use specific music chosen by the researchers. More details will be given to participants about the type of music used in the interventions.

What if I feel unwell during the VR experience?

If you feel uncomfortable or unwell at any point during the VR experience, you can stop immediately. The research team will be on hand to assist you.

How to find out more

Julia Chabot, MD

julia.chabot@mcgill.ca (514) 345-3511 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.