Positive Health Online

Abstract

KOLCABA and FOX, College of Nursing, University of Akron, Ohio USA researched the effectiveness of customised guided imagery for increasing comfort in women with early stage breast cancer undergoing radiation therapy .

Background

Methodology

The authors conducted a clinical trial with 53 women, aged 37-81, with 26 in the experimental group and 27 in the control group with stage I or II breast cancer, about to commence radiation therapy. The experimental group listened to a guided imagery audiotape once daily for the duration of the study. The Radiation Therapy Comfort Questionnaire was self-administered at 3 time points: prior to the intervention, the beginning of radiation therapy (Time 1), 3 weeks later (Time 2), and 3 weeks following completion of radiation therapy (Time 3). The State Anxiety Inventory was administered at Time 1 only. The main research variable was the effect of the use of guided imagery upon comfort with anxiety as a control variable.

Results

There was a significant overall increase in differences in comfort between the treatment and control groups; the treatment group had higher comfort over time. The data also showed a significant linear trend in the differences between groups.

Conclusion

Guided imagery is an effective intervention for enhancing the comfort of women undergoing radiation therapy for early stage breast cancer, especially during the first 3 weeks of radiation therapy. Guided imagery audiotapes specifically designed for this group are resource effective with regard to cost, personnel and time.

References

Kolcaba K and Fox C. the effects of guided imagery on comfort of women with early stage breast cancer undergoing radiation therapy. Oncol Nurs Forum 26(1): 67-72. Jan-Feb 1999.