NCT07124897

Virtual Reality-Supported Psychosocial Care for Women After Perinatal Loss

The Effect of Virtual Reality-Supported Psychosocial Care on Psychosocial Health in Women Experiencing Perinatal Loss

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 100 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Duygu Dişli Çetinçay · Academic / Other
• Sex: Female
• Age: 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the effect of virtual reality (VR)-supported psychosocial nursing care on the psychosocial health of women aged 18 and older who have experienced perinatal loss (≥20 weeks of gestation). The main questions it aims to answer are: Does VR-supported psychosocial care reduce depression, anxiety, stress, perinatal grief, and postpartum depression compared to psychosocial care without VR support? Researchers will compare two groups: VR-supported psychosocial care Psychosocial care without VR support Participants will complete baseline psychosocial assessments during hospital admission, receive psychosocial nursing care based on Swanson's Theory of Caring - with or without VR support - during hospitalization, take part in follow-up interviews on Day 7 and Day 30 after discharge, and continue the psychosocial care process at home, including practicing breathing exercises, keeping a daily journal, and receiving supportive information about coping after perinatal loss.

Detailed description

Perinatal loss, typically resulting from miscarriage, stillbirth, or neonatal death, is defined as an unwanted pregnancy or infant loss. Considered a traumatic life event, perinatal loss affects the family beyond the loss of the baby, leading to feelings of hopelessness and disappointment about the future. It is a profound source of distress that can result in depression, anxiety, stress, grief, and postpartum depression. Psychosocial nursing care for women during this period plays a critical role; however, innovative approaches are needed to enhance its effectiveness. Virtual reality (VR) technology provides an immersive environment that can promote relaxation, distract from distressing thoughts, and increase engagement in therapeutic activities. Integrating VR into psychosocial care may help address the complex emotional needs of women following perinatal loss. This study will evaluate VR-supported psychosocial nursing care, based on Swanson's Theory of Caring, on the psychosocial health outcomes of women aged 18 years and older who have experienced perinatal loss. The intervention includes both educational content addressing physical and reproductive health needs and VR content designed to support psychosocial well-being (360° videos, e.g., forest, seaside), combined with voice-guided breathing exercises, affirmations, and guided relaxation practices.

Conditions

• Perinatal Death

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	VR-Supported Psychosocial Nursing Care Based on Swanson's Theory of Caring	This intervention involves psychosocial nursing care based on Swanson's Theory of Caring, supported by VR technology. It is applied to women experiencing perinatal loss, aiming to reduce grief, anxiety, depression, and stress, postpartum depression, and to enhance psychosocial well-being. The care is delivered face-to-face during hospitalization and includes emotional support, active listening, presence, and empathy, aligned with the core concepts of Swanson's theory. The VR component consists of immersive, calming 360-degree visual environments that are integrated into the care sessions to promote emotional regulation. The intervention continues with structured psychosocial support via telephone on day 7 and day 30 after discharge.
BEHAVIORAL	Psychosocial Nursing Care Based on Swanson's Theory of Caring	This intervention involves psychosocial nursing care based on Swanson's Theory of Caring, without the use of VR. It is delivered to women who have experienced perinatal loss, aiming to support emotional healing and reduce psychological symptoms such as grief, anxiety, depression, stress, and postpartum depression. The intervention is provided face-to-face during hospitalization and focuses on presence, listening, empathy, and emotional support in alignment with Swanson's caring processes. Follow-up support is also provided via telephone calls on day 7 and day 30 after discharge, continuing the psychosocial care process without any technological enhancement.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-08-20
• Primary completion: 2026-08-01
• Completion: 2026-08-01
• First posted: 2025-08-15
• Last updated: 2025-08-15

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)