The effect of guided imagery applied on geriatric orthopaedic patients on preoperative anxiety and comfort

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundThis study was designed to examine the effect of guided imagery applied to geriatric orthopaedic patients on preoperative anxiety and comfort.MethodsThis study was conducted as a randomized controlled trial. The population of the study consisted of geriatric patients treated in the orthopaedics and traumatology clinic of a university hospital. The sample consisted of 80 patients, including the experimental group (n = 40) and the control group (n = 40). Personal Descriptive Form, The State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and General Comfort Scale were used as data collection tools.ResultsAfter the guided imagery application, it was determined that the anxiety of the experimental group decreased statistically significantly, and their comfort improved (P < 0.05).ConclusionAfter the imagery, it was determined that the patients in the experimental group had a decrease in their anxiety level and an improvement in their comfort. Since it is a low‐cost and easily accessible method, applying imagery in the preoperative period is recommended.