This paper provides a review of how virtual nature has been used in health and care settings. The paper also discusses the potential use of virtual reality technology in therapeutic settings for connecting people with nature. A central question addressed is whether engaging with virtual nature can contribute to the enhanced physical and emotional wellbeing of people who are housebound or who have physical disabilities limiting their mobility. While virtual reality can be used in many ways, this review is limited to the use of virtual reality (VR) for connecting with nature. Virtual reality in this context “refers to an interaction between a person and a computer-based environment.”
Interest in the use of VR in the prevention and treatment of both mental and physiological health problems has been increasing over the past several decades. Related studies have generally shown that the use of VR technology in medicine is both easy and safe and that patients tend to be satisfied with the results. While alleviation of pain is probably the most thoroughly researched area concerning the use of VR techniques in therapeutics, other areas where VR has been used include physical and cognitive rehabilitation and treatments for anxiety disorders, eating disorders, phobias, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Research findings indicate that VR nature can be helpful in promoting healing in these different areas.
While this review supports the use of VR technology in a variety of therapeutic settings, it also calls for attention to some challenges and risks. These risks – along with the benefits and cost efficiency of the use of VR technology -- “should be carefully assessed and the outcomes should be measured in a scientifically valid manner.” Also needed are investigations into how VR technology may be suitable in some groups of patients rather than in others.
The overall results of this review indicate that the use of VR nature could be effective in promoting the healing process of individuals in need of physical and/or mental interventions. “While contact with real-world nature is, in many cases, preferred and recommended, VR use can be an alternative in cases when in vivo contact with nature is not possible or not recommended for various reasons.”
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