title: The Effects of Guided Imagery on Patients Being Weaned from Mechanical Ventilation.
abstract: The study purpose was to assess the effects of guided imagery on sedation levels, sedative and analgesic volume consumption, and physiological responses of patients being weaned from mechanical ventilation. Forty-two patients were selected from two community acute care hospitals. One hospital served as the comparison group and provided routine care (no intervention) while the other hospital provided the guided imagery intervention. The intervention included two sessions, each lasting 60 minutes, offered during morning weaning trials from mechanical ventilation. Measurements were recorded in groups at baseline and 30- and 60-minute intervals and included vital signs and Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) score. Sedative and analgesic medication volume consumption were recorded 24 hours prior to and after the intervention. The guided imagery group had significantly improved RASS scores and reduced sedative and analgesic volume consumption. During the second session, oxygen saturation levels significantly improved compared to the comparison group. Guided imagery group had 4.88 less days requiring mechanical ventilation and 1.4 reduction in hospital length of stay compared to the comparison group. Guided imagery may be complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) intervention to provide during mechanical ventilation weaning trials.
authors.affiliation: WellStar Health System, Center for Nursing Excellence, WellStar Development Center, 2000 South Park Place, Atlanta, GA 30339, USA.
authors.forename: LeeAnna
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Spiva
authors.affiliation: Kennesaw State University, 1000 Chastain Road, Prillaman Hall Building 41, Kennesaw, GA 30144, USA.
authors.forename: Patricia L
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Hart
authors.affiliation: WellStar Health System, Center for Nursing Excellence, 2000 South Park Place, Atlanta, GA 30339, USA.
authors.forename: Erin
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Gallagher
authors.affiliation: WellStar Health System, Center for Nursing Excellence, 2000 South Park Place, Atlanta, GA 30339, USA.
authors.forename: Frank
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: McVay
authors.affiliation: WellStar Cobb Hospital, 3950 Austell Road, Austell, GA 30106, USA.
authors.forename: Melida
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Garcia
authors.affiliation: WellStar Kennestone Hospital, 677 Church Street, Marietta, GA 30060, USA.
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Malley
authors.affiliation: WellStar Kennestone Hospital, 677 Church Street, Marietta, GA 30060, USA.
authors.forename: Marsha
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kadner
authors.affiliation: WellStar Kennestone Hospital, 677 Church Street, Marietta, GA 30060, USA.
authors.forename: Angela
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Segars
authors.affiliation: WellStar Windy Hill Hospital, 2540 Windy Hill Road, Marietta, GA 30067, USA.
authors.forename: Betsy
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Brakovich
authors.affiliation: WellStar Windy Hill Hospital, 2540 Windy Hill Road, Marietta, GA 30067, USA.
authors.forename: Sonja Y
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Horton
authors.affiliation: WellStar Kennestone Hospital, 677 Church Street, Marietta, GA 30060, USA.
authors.forename: Novlette
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Smith