Abstract: FR-PO0454
Effects of Personalized Full Immersion in Patients on Dialysis: A Multicenter Pilot Study
Session Information
- Dialysis: Measuring and Managing Symptoms and Syndromes
November 07, 2025 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Dialysis
- 801 Dialysis: Hemodialysis and Frequent Dialysis
Authors
- Russ, Philipp Georg, Philipps-Universitat Marburg, Marburg, HE, Germany
- Wenzel, Leo Tensing, Philipps-Universitat Marburg, Marburg, HE, Germany
- Maeske, Michèle, Klinikum Fulda gAG, Fulda, HE, Germany
- Einloft, Jonas, Philipps-Universitat Marburg, Marburg, HE, Germany
- Bedenbender, Simon, Philipps-Universitat Marburg, Marburg, HE, Germany
- Meyer, Hendrik Leif, Philipps-Universitat Marburg, Marburg, HE, Germany
- Ganser, Andre, Philipps-Universitat Marburg, Marburg, HE, Germany
- Hirsch, Martin Christian, Philipps-Universitat Marburg, Marburg, HE, Germany
- Benoehr, Peter, Klinikum Fulda gAG, Fulda, HE, Germany
- Grgic, Ivica, Philipps-Universitat Marburg, Marburg, HE, Germany
Background
Chronic dialysis often involves stress, discomfort, monotony, and immobility. As a non-pharmacological approach, digital immersion may offer physiological and psychological benefits. However, no multicenter study has yet examined personalized VR immersion in dialysis patients. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a single personalized VR session on well-being, pain perception, and physiological parameters in a diverse dialysis cohort.
Methods
Dialysis patients from 12 outpatient and in-hospital dialysis centers were enrolled in this multi-center pilot study. Participants personalized their immersion by choosing from 20 carefully curated 360° audio-visual experiences, specifically developed for this study by an interdisciplinary team. These environments offered calming, immersive settings. Using a head-mounted display and over-ear headphones, patients were immersed for up to 20 minutes. Before and after, they completed questionnaires on emotional well-being, pain, and tolerance; vital signs were also recorded.
Results
A total of 148 patients were enrolled in 12 centers, with 143 completing the intervention. The mean age was 62.2 (±14.5) years and 96 (64.9%) of the patients were male. Pain scores measured using a visual analogue scale significantly decreased from a mean of 4.8 (±2.4) before to 2.3 (±2.7) after exposure (p < 0.0001). Mean blood pressure decreased from 93.1 (± 7.5) to 89.2 (±16.7) mmHg; heart rate from 72.4 (±11.3) to 67.3 (±10.5) bpm (both p < 0.0001). Only mild symptoms such as excessive sweating or mild dizziness were reported by 15 (10.5%) patients. No serious side effects were reported.
Conclusion
In this multi-center pilot study, we found evidence supporting the feasibility and potential mental and physiological benefits of personalized VR immersion in dialysis patients, with favorable tolerability. These findings suggest that temporary digital immersion may serve as a viable, customizable “non-pharmacological” support option that can be easily integrated into routine care to improve dialysis patients’ well-being and quality of life.
Funding
- Government Support – Non-U.S.