Efficacy of Guided Imagery for Postoperative Symptoms, Sleep Quality, Anxiety, and Satisfaction Regarding Nursing Care: A Randomized Controlled Study

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of perioperatively applied guided imagery on nausea, satisfaction, and anxiety. Design This is a prospective randomized controlled study. Methods In addition to standard treatment and nursing care, guided imagery was applied to the intervention group once in the preoperative period, once on the first day of postoperative period, twice in the second and third days, for six times in total. Only standard treatment and nursing care were given to the patients of the control group. Findings Anxiety and intensity of pain were significantly higher in the control group than the intervention group, and the level of satisfaction and sleep quality were lower in the control group than the intervention group. Conclusions Results support that guided imagery can be useful in improving perianesthetic symptoms and can be a part of nursing care.