Virtual Escapes: How VR Is Making Hospitals More Human

This program has already allowed patients at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and other sites to escape the walls of their hospital rooms. With a headset on, they can tour virtual versions of Paris, Rome, or London,  but soon, they might also visit their own country. Thompson and his team are capturing 360° content in some of Australia’s most breathtaking regions, including Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks, so patients can “travel” to the Kimberley and Top End while lying in bed.

Chimera’s research backs the impact. In a feasibility study, inpatients completed 20-minute VR sessions using Oculus headsets with Google Wander scenes. Many reported improved well‑being and energy, and the experience was overwhelmingly safe, only a few noted mild discomfort, and none said the experience was unmanageable.

On the integration front, the opportunity is significant. Hospitals require not just the hardware but also systems to manage VR deployments: scheduling, sanitisation, technical support, and content delivery. Integrators can play a role in helping health systems build scalable VR infrastructure. That might include designing “VR rooms” or mobile carts, integrating with the hospital’s IT networks, and training clinical staff.

There’s already local momentum. Monash Health is using VR headsets in its emergency departments as part of a paediatric calming initiative. Kids can don a headset and be transported into relaxing, interactive virtual environments helping to reduce stress and pain during treatment. 

For AV and systems integration professionals, this is a chance to help shape the future of care. VR in hospitals is not a gimmick, it’s a therapeutic tool with demonstrated impact and growing institutional support. As VR increases in health settings, integrators who can provide robust, scalable, and user‑friendly solutions will be valuable partners for healthcare providers looking to bring technology and compassion together.