ROMERO POLO PROMOTES A PIONEERING CLINICAL STUDY VALIDATING THE USE OF VIRTUAL REALITY TO REDUCE HEALTHCARE STRESS

Romero Polo reaffirms its commitment to social well-being by funding an innovative medical research project. Developed at the Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova and the University of Lleida (UdL), the study clinically demonstrates that Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) reduces anxiety among Accident and Emergency (A&E) professionals.

Launched in late 2023 thanks to the company’s support, the project has equipped IRBLleida with MK360 technology. This advanced solution allows natural environments and forests to be recreated within the hospital itself. As it does not require individual headsets or goggles, it offers a hygienic, non-invasive alternative that encourages a shared experience rather than isolation.

Endorsed by the prestigious international scientific journals Cureus and Frontiers in Medicine, the study has evaluated the impact of this immersive technology by monitoring over 150 participants. In the main study, conducted with 131 professionals from the A&E department, including doctors, nurses, and healthcare assistants, the effect of 20-minute virtual reality sessions was compared against the usual break in the staff room.

Before and after each session, the participants’ vital signs were measured. The results confirm that, during the virtual immersion, systolic blood pressure dropped by an average of 3 to 4 mmHg, and heart rate decreased by around 3 beats per minute. This physiological relaxation was not consistently observed during traditional breaks (having a coffee or using a mobile phone). Furthermore, 25.4% of participants reported feeling better immediately after the virtual experience, validating this tool as a more effective recovery mechanism than routine downtime.

The validation of this tool demonstrates how Romero Polo’s corporate support has made it possible to transform an innovative vision into a tangible solution for the well-being of our healthcare workers.