A real added value for the treatment

Anja Granneman

Nurse Johannesbos Detox / GGz Central in Ermelo

At the beginning of this year I came into contact with a colleague from another mental health care institution. As part of her education, she had successfully conducted a study with the VRelax. This virtual application made me curious whether the VRelax would also be suitable for the addiction care of Johannesbos Detox. Arina van Domselaar (Innovator) and I have purchased two VRelax glasses for the Detox department. Two practical studies are currently underway with the VRelax. The first study looks at the experiences of clients with the VRelax in, for example, tension, restlessness, fear and craving.

The VR studies are small-scale. Clients' experiences are measured by means of questionnaires. The first experiences with VRelax have been successful so far. Clients see VRelax as an added value for their treatment. We see not only that the tension decreases, but also the craving for the substance used. Due to this positive experience, clients also start asking about the VRelax themselves. Very nice! Also during the withdrawal phase of the addicted substance, in which we use validated measuring instruments before and after the VRelax, we see that in most situations the withdrawal symptoms decrease. During the withdrawal phase, there is often high blood pressure and a rapid pulse. After using the VRelax, we see that both the blood pressure and pulse rate are lower than the measurement before using the VRelax.

That is why I advise colleagues to also look for a suitable eHealth innovation for their target group. The VRelax clearly meets a need and colleagues also like to use it during their breaks.