What is Guided Imagery?
Guided Imagery in Healthcare
When patients are confronted with an illness that requires medical or
surgical intervention, many fears overcome them, (i.e., pain, dependency, financial strain and even death).
The use of guided imagery allows patients and their family members become
calm and focused prior, during and after a procedure. It allows a "temporary, mental escape" at a stressful or difficult time.
Guided imagery is a simple, low cost tool that has demonstrated to increase
a patient's self-esteem, independence, sense of accomplishment, comfort and hope. By taking an active role, patients are empowered,
motivated and enthusiastic participants in their care.
Many physicians have begun to put aside their skepticism and encourage
the use of guided imagery tapes to enhance their patient outcomes. It has a marked impact on quality of care, staff, patient
and family satisfaction.
Guided imagery is a way of purposely diverting and focusing the person's
thoughts. Initially, it begins by obtaining a level of peace and relaxation then shifts the attention away from the "external
environment" to the mind by way of a soothing yet compelling story.
Recent research has shown a significant reduction in anxiety and pain
in patients using guided imagery prior to medical or surgical procedures:
Here are results of a clinical study involving patients undergoing Cardiovascular
surgery at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation:
There was significant difference pre and post surgery with their anxiety
and their pain.:
Current research supports the efficiency and power of imagery not only
as a therapeutic intervention but a standard of care in many institutions nationally and internationally.
Guided imagery in health care:
Guided imagery is increasingly being used by hospitals and physicians as an additional tool to aid in the prevention and
treatment of many illnesses.
The use of guided imagery has been clinically shown to:
Decrease stress and anxiety
Decrease blood pressure, chest pain and angina
Decrease the blood sugar for Diabetics
Strengthen the immune system
Decrease side effects of treatments
Enhance sleep
Decrease pain
Decrease symptoms for conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s,
Assist with stroke rehabilitation and cardiac rehabilitation
Decrease symptoms of asthma, allergies, emphysema and respiratory conditions
Assist pre and post medical and surgical treatments
Assist people coping with losses: (death, relationships, divorces, job)
Assist patients during Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
Teach powerful coping strategies to people of all ages
Assist children with ADD
Also, very effective with individuals in dealing with major traumaas such as:
The Oklahoma City bombing and most recently the national disaster in NYC and Washington D.C.
Guided imagery has a dramatic impact on slowing down a racing, busy mind and keeping thoughts in focus. The use of guided
imagery has been researched by The Cleveland Clinic Foundation and numerous other institutions nationally.
It has also been shown to be of assistance with procedures such as:
- Cancer treatments (chemo, biopsy)
- Cardiac Catheterization / Angioplasty
- Colonoscopy
- Dental Procedures
Guided imagery is not an alternative to medical or surgical treatment.
It is an inexpensive yet powerful tool to assist patients and their family to cope in stressful and challenging times. It
is not meant to be a replacement for the nurse, family, clergy or physician. It is an enhancement and extension of the health
care team.
QUOTE from
one hospital
"Of
all the accomplishments that our hospital saw last year, the guided imagery program was certainly our most valuable."
- Asst. Vice President, Cardiovascular Services of large teaching hospital
"With all the uncertainties in
my life, your tapes gave me the courage and strength I needed."
-BG, 38 year old cardiac patient
