NCT06935604 · Stanford University
Healing Hearts of Hospitalized Patients
What this study is about
The study aims to evaluate the impact of a bedside-delivered virtual reality (VR) mindfulness experience on well-being and psychosocial outcomes among hospitalized adult patients compared to the usual treatment (SOC; no added mindfulness intervention).
View original scientific description
The study aims to evaluate the impact of a bedside-delivered virtual reality (VR) mindfulness experience on well-being and psychosocial outcomes among hospitalized adult patients compared to standard of care (SOC; no added mindfulness intervention).
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
VR mindfulness application
Participants receiving the VR intervention will be instructed to wear a Meta Quest 2 headset (Meta, Inc., Menlo Park, CA) and participate in a VR mindfulness application that is specifically designed to promote mindfulness, relaxation, and emotional regulation via guided content delivered in an immersive environment. Participants will be asked to complete pre and post intervention surveys.
BEHAVIORAL
Standard of Care (SOC)
Participants will undergo a 30-minute SOC window during which they will be asked to do whatever they would normally do for relaxation during hospitalization. Participants will be asked to complete pre and post intervention surveys.
Primary outcome measures
Change in Mental Well-being
Time frame: baseline, immediately after the intervention
The World Health Organization - Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5) is a participant-reported outcome measure that assesses current mental well being. Questionnaire contains 5 questions. It scores five positively phrased items from 0 ("at no time") to 5 ("all of the time"), with a total raw score of 0-25, where lower scores indicate poorer well-being
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Adults aged 18 years and above
- Able to provide informed consent
- Able to follow verbal instructions
- Adequate motor skills for upper extremities to operate VR equipment
- Clinically stable
- English speaking
- Willing to participate in mindfulness activities
Exclusion criteria
- Severe cognitive impairment
- Clinically unstable
- Facial trauma prohibiting headset use
- Physical limitations in facial, neck, upper extremities that hinder use of VR equipment
- History of seizures or other neurological conditions
- Severe motion sickness
- Active nausea
- Severe visual impairment
- Severe cognitive impairment
Where
- Palo Alto, California
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Aug 18, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations