Skip to main content

Melimpus - VR in burnout prevention and reintegration

21/12/2022
vr-bril
Sascha Vermeylen Panelmanager

Is it possible to use VR for burnout prevention and reintegration? How do psychologists look at this and how can it be practically embedded in their work? LiCalab asked 34 psychologists and also organised an online group discussion.

In recent years, burnout has been recognised as a major health problem because of its significant social and economic costs. Technological interventions such as virtual reality (VR) are already increasingly used for various purposes, such as rehabilitation, pain management, phobias and trauma. Arnaud Bosteels is anaesthetist at St John's Hospital in Brussels and is investigating whether VR can also be used for prevention and reintegration after burnout.

LiCalab supported Melimpus with an online survey of therapists and psychologists on burnout and reintegration after burnout. We examined the specific needs of healthcare professionals and the current and future application of VR in practice. This was followed by an online group discussion on the implementation of technology in practice and potential barriers. Technology can motivate and stimulate, provide an extra dimension beyond verbal therapy, time efficiency and data-driven client follow-up. A barrier in implementation often appears to be the cost of the product and its proven effectiveness and applicability in practice.