ICU nurses' experiences with virtual reality technology for work-related stress reduction: A qualitative study

To explore experiences of ICU nurses with a virtual reality (VR)-based stress reduction intervention and identify the factors influencing its acceptance, guided by the Technology Acceptance Model.

A qualitative descriptive study was conducted in the ICU of a tertiary hospital in China. Fifteen nurses who had completed a VR intervention were recruited using purposive sampling. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews between September and October 2025. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using Colaizzi's phenomenological method.

The analysis yielded five key themes. 1) Perceived usefulness: nurses recognized VR's effectiveness in reducing stress, primarily through mechanisms of immediate relaxation and psychological detachment from the high-pressure clinical environment. 2) Perceived ease of use: the adoption process was hindered not only by technical issues but, more fundamentally, by a persistent inability to disengage from patient care responsibilities during use mentally. 3) Influence of external variables: a critical barrier identified was the absence of structured organizational support, encompassing protected time, dedicated private spaces, and clear implementation policies. 4) Behavioral intention and usage patterns: despite existing barriers, participants expressed a conditional willingness to adopt VR, integrating it flexibly into their routines for in-shift respite or post-shift recovery. 5) Recommendations for improvement: practical suggestions for optimization focused on three areas, including diversifying VR content, improving hardware ergonomics, and establishing essential institutional enablers.

VR technology has the potential to alleviate stress among ICU nurses. However, its sustainable integration into clinical practice requires a systemic approach that addresses multifaceted barriers, with organizational policy and support being the most critical enabling factor. Future initiatives must extend beyond technological optimization to include protected time, dedicated spaces, and supportive policies to ensure effectiveness and long-term adoption.