Imagery-induced relaxation in children's postoperative pain relief: a randomized pilot study.

Full Abstract

This study aimed to test the efficacy of imagery and relaxation in hospitalized children's postoperative pain relief. Sixty children aged 8-12 years who had undergone appendectomy or upper/lower limb surgery and had been randomly assigned to the experimental group (n(1) = 30) listened to an imagery trip CD, whereas those in the control group (n(2) = 30) received standard care. An investigator-developed questionnaire was used, and the intensity of pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale:
before (Phase 1), immediately after (Phase 2), and 1 hour after (Phase 3) intervention or standard care. The children in the experimental group reported having significantly less pain (p < .001) than the control children based on a comparison of VAS pain scores in Phases 1 and 2. There were no significant differences in nurse-assessed pain scores. The type and time of operation were related to pain intensity in children. The nurses underestimated the pain of pediatric patients. The imagery trip CD can be used to reduce children's postoperative pain in a hospital setting, although its effect is short-lasting.

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Author information

Author/s: Pölkki, Tarja (T); Pietilä, Anna-Maija (AM); Vehviläinen-Julkunen, Katri (K); Laukkala, Helena (H); Kiviluoma, Kai (K);

Affiliation: Department of Nursing Science, University of Kuopio, Kuopio, Finland. tarja.polkki(-atsign-)nic.fi

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Comparative Study; Journal Article; Randomized Controlled Trial; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Journal of pediatric nursing (J Pediatr Nurs), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2008-Jun; vol 23 (issue 3) : pp 217-24

Dates: Created 2008/05/21; Completed 2008/07/11;

PMID: 18492551, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/6/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Appendectomy - adverse effects
Attitude of Health Personnel
Attitude to Health
Child
Child, Hospitalized - psychology
Clinical Nursing Research
Extremities - surgery
Female
Finland
Humans
Imagery (Psychotherapy) - methods

Male
Nursing Assessment
Nursing Methodology Research
Nursing Staff, Hospital - psychology
Pain Measurement
Pain, Postoperative - diagnosis; etiology; psychology; therapy
Pilot Projects
Postoperative Care - methods; nursing
Questionnaires
Severity of Illness Index
Treatment Outcome

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