2026
Authors
Duarte, CE; Harrison, NB; Correia, FF; Aguiar, A; Gonçalves, P;
Publication
CoRR
Abstract
2026
Authors
Leinylson Fontinele Pereira; Daniel Lima Sousa; José Everton da Silva Fontenele; António Fernando Vasconcelos Cunha Castro Coelho; Silmar Silva Teixeira;
Publication
Journal of Health Informatics
Abstract
2026
Authors
Oliveira, I; Torneiro, A; Ferreira-Coimbra, J; Sampaio, A; Morgenstern, NA; Oliveira, E; Coelho, A; Rodrigues, NF;
Publication
BIOMEDICINES
Abstract
Background: Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS), comprising physical, cognitive, and psychological impairments, affects 50-75% of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) survivors and leads to long-term deficits. Virtual Reality (VR) has emerged as a tool to reduce ICU-related stress and support recovery, yet evidence remains fragmented and heterogeneous. Objective: To systematically review the safety, feasibility, and effects of immersive VR interventions targeting PICS-related outcomes in ICU and post-ICU populations, and to introduce a standardized taxonomy to classify and compare VR interventions in critical care contexts. Methods: This systematic review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251174623). Seven databases (Cochrane Library, PubMed, ScienceDirect, IEEE Xplore, ACM Digital Library, SpringerLink, and Scopus) were searched from inception to 2 August 2025. Eligible studies included ICU patients receiving immersive VR via head-mounted displays and targeting at least one PICS domain. Two reviewers independently screened studies and extracted data. Methodological quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT, 2018). Due to substantial heterogeneity, findings were synthesized narratively. Results: Eleven studies were included. The most consistent effects concerned acute psychological outcomes, with 63.6% of studies reporting reduced anxiety or distress. Evidence for physical, cognitive, or long-term outcomes was limited and inconsistent, largely due to small samples, non-randomized designs, and brief intervention dosing. Conclusion: Current evidence supports VR as a feasible adjunct for acute psychological support in ICU settings. However, meaningful rehabilitation effects remain underexplored. The Five-Axis VR-PICS taxonomy clarifies intervention heterogeneity and provides a structured framework to guide rehabilitation-oriented VR research in critical care.
2026
Authors
Amarti, K; Schulte, HJ; Kleiboer, A; van Genugten, CR; Oudega, M; Rocha, A; Riper, H;
Publication
JMIR Formative Research
Abstract
Background: Depressive symptoms are common among older adults and can significantly impact their quality of life. However, many older adults face barriers to accessing psychological treatment. Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) is a promising alternative to face-to-face treatments, but its feasibility among older adults has been less extensively studied than in adult populations. Objective: This study evaluated the feasibility of guided iCBT for adults aged 55 years and older with mild to moderate depressive symptoms recruited from the general population. Methods: This study is a feasibility study with a single-group, pretest-posttest design (n=21), in which all participants received guided iCBT for 8 weeks. Assessments were conducted at baseline (T0) and after the intervention (T1). The primary outcome was feasibility, conceptualized as satisfaction, usability, engagement, and uptake of iCBT. Secondary outcome measures included depression severity, working alliance, and technical alliance. Results: Participants were mostly highly educated (13/21, 61.9%), female (18/21, 85.7%), had an average age of 59.85 (SD 4.19; range 55-68) years, and reported moderate digital literacy. Feasibility outcomes indicated high satisfaction and engagement and moderate usability. Working alliance was rated as good by both participants and coaches, and technical alliance was rated as moderate by the participants. There was a nonsignificant modest decrease in depressive symptoms (Cohen d=0.47). Of the 20 participants who started the intervention, all completed the first 2 modules, but completion declined across the remaining 6 modules, with only 1 (5%) participant completing all modules. Conclusions: This study found that guided iCBT has the potential to be a feasible option for older adults experiencing depressive symptoms, with participants reporting generally positive satisfaction, moderate engagement, and a moderate therapeutic bond with their coaches. However, below-average usability ratings and a moderate technical alliance suggest that some aspects of the platform require improvement. Future research should focus on improving usability and adherence, as well as testing the intervention in a larger and more diverse population. ©Khadicha Amarti, Mieke H J Schulte, Annet Kleiboer, Claire Rosalie van Genugten, Mardien Oudega, Artur Rocha, Heleen Riper.
2026
Authors
Cammaerts, F; Tramontana, P; Flores, N; Doorn, N; Fasolino, AR; Marin, B; Paiva, ACR; Vos, TEJ; Snoeck, M;
Publication
Abstract
2026
Authors
Rodrigues, NB; Coelho, A; Rossetti, RJF;
Publication
GRIVAPP
Abstract
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