Guided Imagery Research and Recent Publications

Tusek, D.:  AACN Clinical Issues Advanced Practice in Acute and Critical Care.  Strategies for Implementing a Guided Imagery Program to Enhance Patient Experience.  February, 2000.

     Patients in acute care settings often have emotional and physical stresses that are also experienced by family and significant others.  Guided imagery, one of the most well-studied integrative therapies, is used increasingly to improve patients' experiences and healthcare outcomes.  More and more, patients are relying on the use of guided imagery to provide a significant source of strength, support, and courage as they prepare for a procedure or manage the stresses of a hospital stay.  This article provides a brief review of the research base for guided imagery and broad indications for it's use. 

Tusek, Cwynar, Cosgrove: The Journal of Cardiovascular Management. March/April 1999.

Reported the results of a recent study at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation with patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Patients that listened to the guided imagery tape had a significant decrease in pain, stress and anxiety. Patients even left the hospital two days sooner than the patients that did not listen.

Mannix L, Tusek D., Solomon G.: Effect of Guided Imagery on Quality of Life for Patients with Chronic Tension-Type Headache. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain. May 1999, Vol. 39, Number 5.

Dr. Mannix from the Headache Wellness Center, Greensboro, NC. discussed the positive effects guided imagery had on the severity of headaches and quality of life. The study was conducted at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.

Tusek, D.: Cath-Lab Digest: May 1999, Vol 7, Number 5.

Research indicates that simple, non-invasive methods, such as guided imagery allows patients an opportunity for a temporary "mentally escape" prior, during and after procedures such as cardiac catheterization, angioplasty and surgery.

Tusek, Diane: The Journal of Invasive Cardiology. April 1999 Vol 11. Number 4.

This article emphasized the many uses of guided imagery in health care. It discusses how it can significantly reduce stress, pain, side effects of treatments, blood pressure, headaches and strength immune functioning. Patients are encouraged to be active participants in their care. Patients, family members, and staff have demonstrated positive benefits.

Riner, R.: Guided Imagery and Other Forms of Alternative Medicine - Trend or Aberration? Where Does it Fit in Your Practice? The Journal of Invasive Cardiology. April 1999.

This article written by Dr. Riner, a clinical cardiologist and President and CEO of a professional advisory and healthcare management consulting firm. It discusses the use of guided imagery in clinical practice from the viewpoint of a physician.

Bennett H, Disbrow E. Mind Body Medicine: How to use your mind for better health. Yonkers New York: Consumer Report Bookds, 1993.

Dossey, B., Guzzetta C. Implications for bio-psycho-social-spiritual concerns in cardiovascular nursing. J. Cardiovasc Nurs 1994:8(4) 72-88.

Holden-Lund C. Effects of relaxation with guided imagery on surgical stress and wound healing. Res Nurs Health 1988:11:235-44.

Tusek, D, Church J., Fazio V.: AORN, October 1977. Vol. 66. No. 4.

Patients that experience conditions that require medical or surgical intervention often experience fear and apprehension. Guided imagery is a simple, low-cost therapeutic tool that can help counteract the fears and anxieties of patients and their family members.

It may also significantly improve patient satisfaction by providing them with a sense of self-worth, comfort, solace and hope.

Tusek D, Church J., Strong S., Grass J., Fazio V.: Diseases of the Colon and Rectum. February 1997, Vol. 49, No.2.

Guided imagery uses the power of thought to influence psychological and physiologic states. This study showed that the use of guided imagery tapes prior, during and post colorectal surgery had a significant decrease in pain, anxiety and narcotic consumption.