Virtual reality reduces involuntary movements in Huntingdon’s patient
A patient with Advanced Huntington's Disease has seen amazing results to help improve her involuntary movements (also known as 'Chorea') following Nottinghamshire Healthcare's Specialist Palliative Care Clinical Psychology team offering her Virtual Reality (VR) as a psychological intervention.
Huntington's Disease, also known as Huntington's Chorea, is an inherited neurological disorder that causes progressive breakdown of nerve cells leading to motor, cognitive and psychiatric symptoms. There is currently no cure for the disease, and it is typically managed through medication and therapies.
Danielle, aged 35, was referred to the Trust's Specialist Palliative Care Clinical Psychology team following a referral from the Living Well Centre (LWC), at John Eastwood Hospice. Specifically, Danielle felt 'frustrated' because of her 'jerky movements' and was offered Clinical Psychology to help manage her psychological distress due to involuntary movements and to improve relaxation.
Danielle engaged in six fortnightly sessions of VR, supported by Dr Sanchia Biswas, Lead Clinical Psychologist in Specialist Palliative Care at the Trust along with Alice Gains, Trainee Clinical Psychologist on placement.
Dr Biswas said:
"Danielle has severe Chorea, requiring 24-hour care and experiencing daily risks such as choking and falls. The condition took a profound toll on her mental health, resulting in clinical levels of anxiety and depression. In an effort to support her emotional wellbeing and offer brief relief from her very involuntary movements, we introduced Virtual Reality as a relaxation intervention. The outcome was extraordinary, whereby Danielle became completely still, experiencing moments of calm that she was so desperate for. We were delighted to work in partnership with the Living Well Team to achieve a positive outcome for Danielle."
The VR headsets developed by 'Sync VR Medical' and purchased by the John Eastwood Hospice Charity Trust, enables patients to immerse themselves into VR clips for up to 15 minutes, such as relaxing on a beach or engaging in an experience, such as swimming with dolphins or viewing the Northern Lights.
Danielle said about the treatment: I love it, I almost fall asleep, excited to be part of a study to help others .
Danielle's carer said I am shocked at how still Danielle becomes every time she wears the headset.
Amy Eagle, Care Group Director for Community Services at Nottinghamshire Healthcare said:
It's fantastic to see our Clinical Psychology team collaborating with the Living Well Team at the Hospice to research the broader benefits of VR in palliative care and its impact on physical and psychological health of terminally ill patients and their overall wellbeing. The results seen in patients using VR as a therapy is impressive and provides them with an immersive environment to reduce psychological distress and relaxation, during what is a really difficult time.
The LWC at the hospice has been at the forefront of integrating VR technology to enhance the quality of life for patients with a terminal illness. The Hospice is managed through a partnership between Nottinghamshire Healthcare and the John Eastwood Hospice Trust.
Over the past year, the LWC team has delivered this innovative intervention to over 100 patients in the last year, including those in the inpatient unit. Carers and relatives have also been included in the experience through a connected tablet, making it a shared journey. It has sparked significant memories for patients and relatives/carers, helping them to reconnect with meaningful life experiences.
The Trust's Specialist Palliative Care Clinical Psychology team is working closely with the LWC to better understand how virtual reality works, whether it can reduce psychological distress for patients and carers.
A huge thank you to the John Eastwood Hospice for enabling this intervention to be possible through a donation from their charitable funds.
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