Feasibility and Acceptability of Virtual Reality Mindfulness in Residents, Fellows, and Students at a University Medical Campus

Abstract

Objective: To explore the feasibility, acceptability, engagement, and impact of a virtual reality (VR) mindfulness program for students, residents, and fellows at a university medical campus. Patients and Methods: A total of 30 participants consented to participate in the study from September 13, 2021 to November 12, 2022. They completed a baseline assessment and were trained to use a VR headset to access mindfulness content. Participants were instructed to use the VR mindfulness program 3-5 times per week, or as often as they found helpful, and they completed midline and endline assessments and a semistructured interview about their experience with VR mindfulness. Results: Participant engagement in VR mindfulness ranged from 0 to 29 times over 8 weeks. Restricted free time, low portability, and privacy were identified as barriers to use. Participants reported positive experiences with VR mindfulness, especially with the gamified nature of the content. They also reported a desire for increased customization options. Participants’ stress scores decreased, and their mindful awareness and self-compassion scores increased. Conclusion: Overall findings support evidence of the feasibility and acceptability of VR mindfulness for college students on a medical campus. Short sessions and variable content may maximize sustained engagement. Implementation efforts should support participant engagement by including training and technological support. Future research should replicate study methods with the addition of a comparison group and should focus on evaluating the efficacy of VR mindfulness in the college student population.