Positive Health Online

Abstract

HUTH and COLLEAGUES,  Center for Professional Excellence-Research and Evidence-Based Practice, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA  evaluated the effectiveness of a guided imagery audio compact disc (CD) in reducing post-operative pain, increasing relaxation, and stimulating imagery in children.

Background

Managing post-operative pain continues to elude health care professionals despite children's reports of severe pain. Although research has demonstrated that guided imagery is a beneficial complementary treatment for pain, clinicians rarely incorporate it into their practice.

Methodology

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a guided imagery audio compact disc (CD) in reducing post-operative pain, increasing relaxation, and stimulating imagery in children by child life specialists in the clinical setting. This cross sectional study compared pain and relaxation scores before and after the use of the CD.

Results

Sixteen children (7 to 12 years of age) reported pain on a 0 to 10 scale and relaxation on a 1 to 5 scale, and answered questions about what they imagined. Pain scores were significantly decreased, with no significant differences in relaxation scores.

Conclusion

Findings support that school-age children are capable of using guided imagery, and relaxation may not be necessary to achieve pain reduction.

References

Huth MM, Daraiseh NM, Henson MA and McLeod SM. Evaluation of the Magic Island: Relaxation for Kids, compact disc. Pediatric Nursing. 35(5): 290-5. Sep-Oct 2009.