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AimTo assess the effects of virtual reality (VR) on the depressive state of patients with stroke admitted to neuro-rehabilitation units. Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.MethodsRandomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) focusing on the effects of virtual reality on depressive state as a primary outcome will be included. Grey literature and the following databases will be consulted: PubMed, Cinahl, PsycInfo, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science. The recently revised Cochrane risk of bias tool will be used to assess the quality of included studies. Data will be extracted and meta-analyses will be performed within the specific condition of the emotional state of stroke patients admitted to neurorehabilitation units. Meta-regression and subgroup analyses will be used to identify effective modes and patterns of therapy delivery. The approach of assessment, development and evaluation of recommendations will be applied to reach a convincing conclusion.DiscussionAn accurate, transparent and standardized review process is expected to provide recommendations on the use of VR technology in the healthcare of stroke patients.ImpactEmotional difficulties are common after stroke and have an impact on rehabilitation outcome. VR seems to have an important role in the treatment and depression in neurological patients, as it is able to improve levels of well-being, coping strategies and social relationships. The systematic review may contribute to a more convincing and specific conclusion compared to existing studies of this type.Trial registrationSystematic review registration: CRD42022303968.

Background Nurse practitioners (NPs) play a critical role in the multidisciplinary management of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Neurologists´ behavioral characteristics have been associated with suboptimal clinical decisions. However, limited information is available on their impact among NPs involved in MS care. The aim of this study was to assess nurses´ therapeutic choices to understand behavioral factors influencing their decision making process. Methods A non-interventional, cross-sectional, web-based study was conducted. NPs actively involved in the care of patients with MS were invited to participate in the study by the Spanish Society of Neurology Nursing. Participants answered questions regarding their standard practice and therapeutic management of seven simulated relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) case scenarios. A behavioral battery was used to measure participants´ life satisfaction, mood, positive social behaviors, feeling of helpfulness, attitudes toward adoption of evidence-based innovations, occupational burnout, and healthcare-related regret. The outcome of interest was therapeutic inertia (TI), defined as the lack of treatment escalation when there is clinical and radiological evidence of disease activity. A score to quantify TI was created based on the number of simulated scenarios where treatment intensification was warranted. Results Overall, 331 NPs were invited to participate, 130 initiated the study, and 96 (29%) completed the study. The mean age (SD) was 44.6 (9.8) years and 91.7% were female. Seventy-three participants (76.0%) felt their opinions had a significant influence on neurologists´ therapeutic decisions. Sixteen NPs (16.5%) showed severe emotional exhaustion related to work and 13 (13.5%) had depressive symptoms. The mean (SD) TI score was 0.97 (1.1). Fifty-six of NPs showed TI in at least one case scenario. Higher years of nursing experience (p = 0.014), feeling of helpfulness (p = 0.014), positive attitudes toward innovations (p = 0.046), and a higher intensity of care-related regret (p = 0.021) were associated with a lower risk of TI (adjusted R2 = 0.28). Burnout was associated with higher risk of TI (p = 0.001). Conclusions Although NPs cannot prescribe MS treatments in Spain, their behavioral characteristics may influence the management of patients with RRMS. Continuing education and specific strategies for reducing occupational burnout may lead to better management skills and improve MS care.