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  • Title: Guided imagery in cardiac surgery.
    Author: Halpin LS, Speir AM, CapoBianco P, Barnett SD.
    Journal: Outcomes Manag; 2002; 6(3):132-7. PubMed ID: 12134377.
    Abstract:
    Clinical research has demonstrated that guided imagery, a simple form of relaxation, can reduce preoperative anxiety and postoperative pain among patients undergoing surgical procedures. In 1998, the cardiac surgery team implemented a guided imagery program to compare cardiac surgical outcomes between two groups of patients: with and without guided imagery. Data from the hospital financial cost/accounting database and patient satisfaction data were collected and matched to the two groups of patients. A questionnaire was developed to assess the benefits of the guided imagery program to those who elected to participate in it. Patients who completed the guided imagery program had a shorter average length of stay, a decrease in average direct pharmacy costs, and a decrease in average direct pain medication costs while maintaining high overall patient satisfaction with the care and treatment provided. Guided imagery is now considered a complementary means to reduce anxiety, pain, and length of stay among our cardiac surgery patients.
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