Olfactory Virtual Reality (OVR) for Wellbeing and Reduction of Stress, Anxiety and Pain

David Tomasi (1) , Hannah Ferris (2) , Priscilla Booraem (3) , Lindsay Enman (4) , Sheri Gates (5) , Emily Reyns (6)
(1) University of Vermont Integrative Health, College of Nursing and Health Science, Department of Rehabilitation and Movement Science; University of Vermont Continuing and Distance Education, UVM Healthcare Programs; University of Vermont Human Development and Family Studies Program, Department of Leadership & Developmental Sciences; University of Vermont Medical Center, Inpatient Psychiatry; Community College of Vermont , United States
(2) , United States
(3) , United States
(4) , United States
(5) , United States
(6) , United States

Abstract

Background: As part of a consistent effort to examine and provide integrative medical approaches to the therapeutic offering for psychophysical health, this study investigates the utilization of Olfactory Virtual Reality (OVR) in an inpatient psychiatry unit, more specifically in the Shepardson 3 Inpatient Psychiatry Unit at the University of Vermont Medical Center, in Burlington, VT, USA.


Objectives: The purpose of this protocol is to explore the therapeutic value of olfactory virtual reality (OVR) in the above described population, and to collect statistically significant data to determine the feasibility of potential future OVR studies.


Method: Direct subject observation and monitoring in the context of Olfactory Virtual Reality (OVR) sessions and Qualitative data collection via the administration of subject surveys, subdivided in: a) Pre-OVR experience, b) Immediate post-OVR experience, and c) 1-to-3-hour post-OVR experience questionnaires.


Results: The research yielded positive outcomes in all areas investigated, despite challenges related to the utilization of the device itself, issues in individual olfactory threshold, and COVID-19 restrictions and limitations.


 Conclusion: The outcome of this study indicates that the utilization of olfactory virtual reality technologies is a safe and effective integrative approach to target several aspects of psychological and physical health such as anxiety, stress, and pain, in combination with the psychotherapeutic and pharmacological standards of care in inpatient psychiatry.

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Authors

David Tomasi
David.Tomasi@uvm.edu (Primary Contact)
Hannah Ferris
Priscilla Booraem
Lindsay Enman
Sheri Gates
Emily Reyns
Author Biography

David Tomasi, University of Vermont Integrative Health, College of Nursing and Health Science, Department of Rehabilitation and Movement Science; University of Vermont Continuing and Distance Education, UVM Healthcare Programs; University of Vermont Human Development and Family Studies Program, Department of Leadership & Developmental Sciences; University of Vermont Medical Center, Inpatient Psychiatry; Community College of Vermont

David LÃ¥g Tomasi, PhD, EdD-PhD, MA, MCS, AAT

University of Vermont
Integrative Health
College of Nursing and Health Science
Department of Rehabilitation and Movement Science

University of Vermont
Continuing and Distance Education
UVM Healthcare Programs
 
University of Vermont
Human Development and Family Studies Program  
Department of Leadership & Developmental Sciences
 
University of Vermont Medical Center
Licensed Psychologist-Doctorate
Inpatient Psychiatry Psychotherapist / Group Therapist

University of Vermont
UVM Integrative Health
CNHS - 310N Rowell Building
Burlington, Vermont 05401 -USA
david.tomasi@uvm.edu

Tomasi, D., Ferris, H. ., Booraem, P. ., Enman, L. ., Gates, S. ., & Reyns, E. . (2021). Olfactory Virtual Reality (OVR) for Wellbeing and Reduction of Stress, Anxiety and Pain. Jour Med Resh and Health Sci, 4(3), 1212–1221. https://doi.org/10.15520/jmrhs.v4i3.322
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