Date of Award
Summer 1983
Document Type
Thesis - Restricted
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Nursing
First Advisor
Fehring, Richard J.
Second Advisor
Stollenwerk, Ruth M.
Third Advisor
Karstetter, Sara
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of a structured guided imagery transfer preparation to an unstructured transfer preparation on patient anxiety at time of transfer from an ICU. A pretest-posttest experimental design was used. Thirty myocardial infarction patients, twenty-three males and seven females between the ages of forty-five and eighty, participated in the study. Subjects were randomly . assigned to either the experimental or control group. The experimental group received, from the investigator, a structured guided imagery transfer preparation which included information to orient ~them to a different environment, followed by back massage and guided imagery to relax and guide them mentally through the transfer process. The control group received an unstructured transfer preparation from the ICU nurses. Anxiety prior to, and following, transfer was measured using The StateTrait Anxiety Inventory along with blood pressure and heart rate recordings. The data were analyzed using the t -test for independent samples with a 0.05 significance level. Pretest analysis showed the groups to be statistically similar as measured by state and trait anxiety scores , blood pressure and heart rate recordings. Posttest analysis showed a significant difference {p(.OS) between the groups as measured by the State Anxiety Inventory. No significant difference (p<.OS) between groups was measured by blood pressure and heart rate. However, the experimental group did have a 3.800 lower mean heart rate posttransfer than the control group. It was concluded that a structured guided imagery transfer preparation may be beneficial in reducing the feelings of anxiety that MI patients may have on transfer out of an ICU. It is recommended that further studies be conducted in the use of imagery and other anxiety reducing . techniques for reducing the stress encountered by hospitalized patients.
Recommended Citation
Wonoski, Linda K., "The Effect of Guided Imagery on Patient Anxiety Following Transfer" (1983). Master's Theses (1922-2009) Access restricted to Marquette Campus. 3712.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/theses/3712