Virtual Reality analysis in the intensive care unit:an integrative review

an integrative review

Abstract

The present study aimed to analyze the use of Virtual Reality as a complementary tool in patient care in the ICU. This is an integrative, exploratory and descriptive literature review, with searches carried out in the Scientific Electronic Library Online (SCIELO), Latin American and Caribbean Literature on Health Sciences (LILACS) and US National Library of Medicine databases (Medline/Pubmed), the descriptors in health sciences were used: virtual reality, intensive care unit, rehabilitation, in English and Portuguese, related by the Boolean operator “AND”. 15 articles were selected. After reading the title and abstract, 4 articles were excluded, and due to duplication in the databases, dissertations and objective that did not match the theme, 6 articles were excluded, which resulted in a total of 5 articles. Following the inclusion criteria: works published between 2016 and 2021, with the aim of being consistent with the study in question, that they were available in full. The studies showed a positive effect of virtual reality on patients hospitalized in the ICU, helping with early mobilization, improving the quality of sleep and cognition, in addition to promoting relaxation. Thus, the use of virtual reality in the ICU should be considered as a promising resource for the care of this patient profile, favoring them with improved quality of life and even early discharge.