SENSE-VR
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Developing a 360 virtual reality sensory room for patients with learning disabilities: a feasibility study
IRAS ID
357063
Contact name
Joe Salmon
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 0 days
Research summary
Individuals with learning disabilities are characterised by significant impairments in intellectual and adaptive functioning and often have an increased risk of physical and mental health illnesses. In addition, they often face health inequalities and barriers to accessing care. For individuals with learning disabilities, the use of multisensory rooms has been found useful to reduce symptoms and improve wellbeing. However, multisensory rooms are often rare in some areas or have long waiting times. For this reason, innovations such as VR interventions that offer a virtual sensory room have the potential to offer portable, easily accessible and tailored intervention to support individuals with learning disabilities.
The research will involve using a 360 visual of a Virtual Reality sensory room with patients with learning disabilities, carers and healthcare professionals. The aims of this study is to explore the acceptability, usability and feasibility of the intervention.
It is a mixed method study which will include a cross-sectional online self-report survey and a qualitative interview.Participants will include healthcare professionals and other involved in the care of patients with learning disabilities, informal carers, and patients with learning disabilities. They will be recruited via e-mails, social media, care groups, flyers/posters and communication platforms with the NHS trusts and communities.
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 2
REC reference
25/NS/0107
Date of REC Opinion
15 Sep 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion