Exploring the Barriers to and Facilitators of Using Virtual Reality Relaxation for Patients With Psychiatric Problems: Qualitative Focus Group Study

Abstract

Background: Stress is a key transdiagnostic factor in the onset and recurrence of psychiatric disorders. Virtual reality (VR) in mental health care, particularly virtual natural environments, shows promising results in promoting relaxation, as evidenced by tools such as VRelax. While initial studies have demonstrated the efficacy of VRelax, further implementation in routine mental health care requires a systematic exploration of its use by patients. Understanding these perspectives can help tailor VR tools to meet the needs of users better and enhance their effectiveness in clinical settings.

Objective: This study aims to identify patient-perceived barriers to and facilitators of using VR relaxation as a self-management relaxation tool to support its implementation in mental health care.

Methods: Four focus groups were conducted with 19 participants with a wide range of psychiatric problems, including burnout, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Participants were recruited via a network of people with lived experience, health care professionals, and social media. Semistructured interview guides with open-ended questions were used to investigate barriers and facilitators. People with psychiatric problems were instructed to use VRelax at home at least 3 times before the focus group discussions. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify barriers and facilitators.

Results: The focus group discussions generated 7 themes with various subthemes. The sense of autonomy was identified as a facilitator, indicating users' experience of feeling in control and independent, which allowed them to manage and operate VRelax on their own. On the other hand, participants indicated that for optimal long-term use, there should be a balance between autonomy and structured guidance and integration into therapy. Perceived usefulness, ease of use, and immersive factors were identified as both barriers and facilitators. Participants had positive initial experiences with VRelax but also reported that the effects of virtual natural environments might diminish with continued use. Usefulness might vary by the phase of psychiatric problems and the individual's momentary emotional state. Participants saw the plug-and-play design of VRelax as helpful but also indicated the importance of easy navigation within the program, including the ability to quickly find specific natural environments. Three barriers were identified: shortcomings in user guidance; perceived problems in transitioning back to reality; and physical hindrances, such as the discomfort caused by the VR glasses.

Conclusions: For optimal implementation of VR relaxation in mental health care, personalized VR experiences should be facilitated, such as offering a specific selection of virtual natural environments based on the momentary emotional state, while fostering user autonomy. Integration of VR tools into ongoing treatment is important, aligning with shared decision-making principles. In addition, reducing the steps required during the starting and the closing processes is crucial, alongside addressing challenges such as physical discomfort and inadequate instructions.

Keywords: AI; artificial intelligence; barriers and facilitators; implementation; psychiatry; qualitative analysis; qualitative research; relaxation; stress; virtual reality.

Figure 1

Flowchart of the procedure.

Figure 2

Impression of virtual relaxation natural environments from VRelax.