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By Dr. Liji Thomas, MD Feb 1 2024 Reviewed by Danielle Ellis, B.Sc.

Palliative care is necessary to ensure comfort and an improved quality of life towards the end of one’s life when enduring chronic or fatal diseases. With the graying of the population in many developed countries, the importance of this segment of healthcare is growing rapidly. Study: Flourishing-Life-Of-Wish Virtual Reality Relaxation Therapy (FLOW-VRT-Relaxation) outperforms traditional relaxation therapy in palliative care: results from a randomized controlled trial. Image Credit: Chinnapong/Shutterstock.com

In this context, a new study published in Frontiers in Virtual Reality explored the effectiveness of a psychological strategy called Flourishing-Life-Of-Wish Virtual Reality Therapy (FLOW-VRT)® in helping people cope with their symptoms and achieve relaxation at the end of life. Background

While earlier studies that compared the use of virtual reality (VR) in palliative therapy have been reported, none have been randomized controlled trials (RCTs), driving the current experimental study.

It is known from prior research that palliative care leaves multiple areas of need unsatisfied, including pain relief, psychological distress over loss of autonomy, and limited opportunity for social interactions. This impacts the quality of life and promotes the progression of the illness.

Both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions are used in palliative care. Psychotherapy and other psychological tools are extensively used as they do not have the potential for adverse effects that medications have. Moreover, these are inexpensive and practical, especially when focused on helping the patient relax.

Most studies on relaxation in the field of palliative medicine look only at traditional techniques, largely ignoring the potential for VR to ease pain and facilitate relaxation. However, VR creates an immersive experience that makes patients feel they are present in another environment.

VR thus prevents the consciousness of the present, miserable surroundings while promoting a sense of being in a virtual environment that is controlled. This leads to distraction, a known cognitive-behavioral tool for pain relief. Moreover, this is improved by the chance for the patient to choose the preferred environment, even using this platform to fulfill deeply cherished longings.

This ability to virtually fulfill their wishes to travel to a relaxing destination or environment could bring happiness and relieve the discomfort and sadness of the terminal condition.

Building on earlier feasibilty and pilot studies, the current study seeks to document the impact of VR on patient symptoms in palliative care by simulating activities that are meaningful for the patient. The researchers built a structured psychological program for palliative care patients.

Called FLOW-VRT Relaxation, this is built upon various psychological theories, including flow theory (“completely absorbed in activity without reflective self-consciousness but with a deep sense of control”), self-determination theory (autonomy and a sense of control), stress coping theory, and the attention restoration theory that attributes renewed cognitive ability and greater wellbeing to exposures to natural environments. It is one form of the broader FLOW-VRT intervention, modified for relaxation, allowing patients to choose their relaxing experience. What did the study show?

The study included 128 patients recruited from a palliative care unit over ten months. About 93% completed the study, the mean age being 67 years, and 70% being female. The participants were administered the Chinese version of the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (CESAS), consisting of a questionnaire exploring nine typically encountered symptoms among cancer patients. This was first done at baseline, followed by randomization and post-test assessment. Related StoriesUK Biobank research reveals significant impact of type 2 diabetes on COVID-19 outcomesNew research highlights regional variations in COPD prevalence according to diagnostic criteriaStudy shows how social media fuels unhappiness and materialism

At baseline, total, physical, and emotional subscale scores on the CESAS were comparable for test and control groups. After the Flow-VRT Relaxation intervention, total, physical, and emotional scores changed in both groups, those exposed to the FLOW-VRT –Relaxation therapy and those who underwent traditional relaxation therapy.

However, the scale of reduction in all three subscale scores was significantly greater with FLOW-VRT Relaxation, indicating that this intervention produced superior symptom improvement compared to traditional measures. This may be due to the individual’s freedom to choose meaningful content for the VR experience, promoting self-determination by supporting the person’s autonomy rather than forcing the individual to embrace an experience chosen by someone else.

The use of immersive VR technology could be another reason for the improved symptom control, as this induces flow, which is linked to physical and mental wellbeing. In addition, it may allow patients to explore and learn to use stress management strategies when going through stressful physical and emotional symptoms. Such emotion-focused coping is more easily managed for many patients undergoing the trauma of end-of-life after a terminal illness and are unable to exercise problem-focused coping strategies. What are the implications?

“Our results showed that following a FLOW-VRT-Relaxation session, the symptoms of distress that patients in palliative care have to endure significantly reduced.” Both physically and emotionally, patients reported that they did not feel the same level of distress. These promising results could point to the extending potential of this approach for elderly patients in long-term care homes and rehabilitation centers.

This sheds light on the scope for the use of this intervention in this area, considering its relatively low cost, scalability, and personalization potential. The use of this approach is especially suitable for those with terminal illnesses who are often bedridden or confined to hospital wards, unable to find pain relief, or suffering from the adverse effects of required medical therapy. Moreover, they are emotionally vulnerable as they have unfulfilled wishes of traveling or escaping their pain.

Further studies are required to follow up on the effects of FLOW-VRT Relaxation over time. However, this is not an essential feature in palliative care, where patient survival is typically expected to be short. In fact, against a background of unfulfilled wishes and a short lifespan, FLOW-VRT Relaxation provides a meaningful impact on the patient’s wellbeing as it can virtually satisfy some of these longings and provide a sense of control.

At the same time, the study brought out some potential risks of such technology, which may engender a greater sense of loss of past abilities or skills in contrast to the patient’s current situation. Further research should look at how VR content may be made still more personalized to have meaning for each individual and design training protocols to make sure the intervention is delivered as intended. Journal reference: Woo, O. K. L. et al. (2024). Flourishing-Life-Of-Wish Virtual Reality Relaxation Therapy (FLOW-VRT-Relaxation) outperforms traditional relaxation therapy in palliative care: results from a randomized controlled trial. Frontiers in Virtual Reality. doi: https://doi.org/10.3389/frvir.2023.1304155. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frvir.2023.1304155/full. 

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UK

Eight arrests in connection with two separate terrorism investigations

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Eight arrests in connection with two separate terrorism investigations

Eight men have been arrested by the Metropolitan Police in two unconnected terrorism investigations.

In one operation on Saturday, counter-terror officers arrested five men, four of whom are Iranian nationals. All are in police custody.

The Met said the arrests related to a “suspected plot to target a specific premises”.

In an update shortly after midnight, the force said: “Officers have been in contact with the affected site to make them aware and provide relevant advice and support, but for operational reasons, we are not able to provide further information at this time.”

It added officers were carrying out searches at a number of addresses in the Greater Manchester, London and Swindon areas in connection with the investigation.

It said those detained were:

• A 29-year-old man arrested in the Swindon area
• A 46-year-old man arrested in west London
• A 29-year-old man arrested in the Stockport area
• A 40-year-old man arrested in the Rochdale area
• A man whose age was not confirmed arrested in the Manchester area.

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Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “This is a fast-moving investigation and we are working closely with those at the affected site to keep them updated.

“The investigation is still in its early stages and we are exploring various lines of enquiry to establish any potential motivation as well as to identify whether there may be any further risk to the public linked to this matter.

“We understand the public may be concerned and as always, I would ask them to remain vigilant and if they see or hear anything that concerns them, then to contact us.

“We are working closely with local officers in the areas where we have made arrests today and I’d like to thank police colleagues around the country for their ongoing support.”

Terror arrests in separate investigation

Police also arrested three further Iranian nationals in London on Saturday as part of another, unrelated counter terror investigation.

The suspects were detained under section 27 of the National Security Act 2023, which allows police to arrest those suspected of being “involved in foreign power threat activity”.

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Home secretary Yvette Cooper said in a statement: “I want to thank the police and our security services for the action they have taken to keep our country safe.

“Protecting national security is the first duty of government and our police and security services have our strong support in their vital work.”

She added: “These are serious events that demonstrate the ongoing requirement to adapt our response to national security threats.”

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Politics

Pro-crypto Democrats pull support for stablecoin bill in last minute

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Pro-crypto Democrats pull support for stablecoin bill in last minute

Pro-crypto Democrats pull support for stablecoin bill in last minute

A group of US Senate Democrats known for supporting the crypto industry have said they would oppose a Republican-led stablecoin bill if it moves forward in its current form.

The move threatens to stall legislation that could establish the first US regulatory framework for stablecoins, according to a May 3 report from Politico.

Per the report, nine Senate Democrats said in a joint statement that the bill “still has numerous issues that must be addressed.” They warned they would not support a procedural vote to advance the legislation unless changes are made.

Among the signatories were Senators Ruben Gallego, Mark Warner, Lisa Blunt Rochester and Andy Kim — all of whom had previously backed the bill when it passed through the Senate Banking Committee in March.

The bill, introduced by Senator Bill Hagerty, is formally known as the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for US Stablecoins (GENIUS) Act.

Related: Fed’s Powell reasserts support for stablecoin legislation

Senate prepares to vote on stablecoin bill

The Senate is expected to begin floor consideration of the bill in the coming days, with the first vote potentially taking place next week.

The bill has been championed by the crypto industry as a landmark step toward regulatory clarity. However, the Democrats’ about-face reflects growing unease within the party.

Although revisions were made to the bill after its committee approval to address Democratic concerns, the lawmakers said the changes fell short. They called for stronger safeguards related to Anti-Money Laundering, national security, foreign issuers, and accountability measures for noncompliant actors.

The statement was also signed by Senators Raphael Warnock, Catherine Cortez Masto, Ben Ray Luján, John Hickenlooper and Adam Schiff.

Pro-crypto Democrats pull support for stablecoin bill in last minute
A copy of the statement. Source: Alex Thorn

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Senator Angela Alsobrooks were absent from the list, who co-sponsored the bill alongside Hagerty.

Despite their objections, the Democratic senators emphasized their commitment to shaping responsible crypto regulation. They reportedly said they “are eager to continue working with our colleagues to address these issues.”

Related: US banks are ‘free to begin supporting Bitcoin’

Crypto needs a stablecoin bill

On April 27, Caitlin Long, founder and CEO of Custodia Bank, criticized the US Federal Reserve for quietly maintaining a key anti-crypto policy that favors big-bank-issued stablecoins, despite relaxing crypto partnership rules for banks.

Long explained that while the Fed recently rescinded four prior crypto guidelines, a Jan. 27, 2023, statement was left intact in coordination with the Biden administration.

The guidance, according to Long, blocks banks from engaging directly with crypto assets and prohibits them from issuing stablecoins on permissionless blockchains.

However, Long noted that once a federal stablecoin bill becomes law, it could override the Fed’s stance. “Congress should hurry up,” she urged.

Magazine: Financial nihilism in crypto is over — It’s time to dream big again

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UK

Pictured: Boy killed in Gateshead industrial estate fire – 14 children arrested on suspicion of manslaughter

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Pictured: Boy killed in Gateshead industrial estate fire - 14 children arrested on suspicion of manslaughter

Tributes have been paid to 14-year-old Layton Carr who died in a fire at an industrial estate.

Eleven boys and three girls, aged between 11 and 14 years, have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after the incident in Gateshead on Friday. They remain in police custody.

Drone view showing the aftermath of a fire at Fairfield industrial park at Bill Quay, Gateshead
Image:
Police were alerted to a fire at Fairfield industrial park in the Bill Quay area

Firefighters raced to Fairfield industrial park in the Bill Quay area shortly after 8pm, putting out the blaze a short time later.

Police then issued an appeal for a missing boy, Layton Carr, who was believed to be in the area at the time.

In a statement, the force said that “sadly, following searches, a body believed to be that of 14-year-old Layton Carr was located deceased inside the building”.

Layton’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers, police added.

Pic: North News and Pictures
Image:
Layton has been described as a ‘beautiful soul’

A fundraising page on GoFundMe has been set up to help Layton’s mother pay for funeral costs.

Organiser Stephanie Simpson said: “The last thing Georgia needs to stress trying to pay for a funeral for her Boy Any donations will help thank you.”

One tribute in a Facebook post read: “Can’t believe I’m writing this my nephew RIP Layton 💔 forever 14 you’ll be a massive miss, thinking of my sister and 2 beautiful nieces right now.”

Another added: “My boy ❤️ my baby cousin, my Layton. Nothing will ever come close to the pain I feel right now. Forever 14. I’ll miss you sausage.”

A third said: “Rest in peace big lad such a beautiful soul taken far to soon my thoughts are with you Gee stay strong girl hear for u always.”

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Detective Chief Inspector Louise Jenkins, of Northumbria Police, also said: “This is an extremely tragic incident where a boy has sadly lost his life.”

She added that the force’s “thoughts are with Layton’s family as they begin to attempt to process the loss of their loved one”.

They are working to establish “the full circumstances surrounding the incident” and officers will be in the area to “offer reassurance to the public”, she added.

A cordon remains in place at the site while police carry out enquiries.

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