Virtual reality may reduce ICU delirium, with low-certainty evidence
A review of randomized trials found a possible benefit for delirium prevention in intensive care, but confidence in the results remains limited.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Virtual reality interventions may lower delirium incidence in adult intensive care patients, based on pooled randomized trials. The estimate favored virtual reality, but the evidence was rated low certainty. Anxiety, depression and sleep outcomes also favored the intervention, while evidence for intensive care stay, pain and cognitive function remained limited or inconclusive.
The abstract omits follow-up lengths and absolute delirium rates, so this abstract-based summary cannot show how many patients might benefit. All reported benefits had low-certainty evidence.
What researchers found
Delirium incidence
Across 5 articles, virtual reality versus standard care or control; follow-up not reported. Estimated odds were 0.56 times control odds; a ratio of one means equal odds. This is not an absolute risk reduction.
Varied virtual reality formats
Programs delivered sights and sounds through nature scenes, interactive games or family media. The abstract does not establish which format, if any, offered the most benefit for patients.
Other outcomes remain uncertain
Anxiety and depression scores and sleep quality favored virtual reality, with low certainty for each. Evidence about pain, cognitive function and length of intensive care stay remained limited or inconclusive.
The original publication
Effectiveness of virtual reality interventions for delirium prevention in intensive care units: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Liang S, Wang X, Su JJ et al.
Intensive Crit Care Nurs · 2026
- PubMed ID
- 41421191
- Record checked
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