Effects of Classical Music Virtual Reality on Pediatric Healthcare Worker Compassion Fatigue

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to explore the impact of classical music virtual reality (VR) on burnout, secondary traumatic stress, anxiety, and capacity for developing caring relationships with patients among healthcare workers (HCWs). BACKGROUND COVID-19 accentuated the importance of promoting the well-being of frontline workers. Efforts to address the mental health needs of HCWs are likely to positively impact patient outcomes. METHODS Healthcare workers completed 3 sessions of VR. A Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to compare premeasure versus postmeasure on the Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL), State Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Caring Ability Inventory. Analysis of variance was performed to identify associations between the intervention and differences in scores for each ProQOL domain. Bonferroni correction adjusted for multiple comparisons. Fisher's t test was used for categorical analysis. RESULTS Seventy-one HCWs completed the study. There was a significant reduction in burnout after the experience, compared with baseline. CONCLUSIONS This study provides evidence that classical music VR may reduce burnout in HCWs.