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01-06-2019 | Anxiety | Original Article

Relaxation-guided imagery reduces perioperative anxiety and pain in children: a randomized study

Authors: Laura Vagnoli, Alessandra Bettini, Elena Amore, Salvatore De Masi, Andrea Messeri

Published in: European Journal of Pediatrics | Issue 6/2019

Abstract

Several studies have shown the efficacy of psychological interventions in reducing preoperative anxiety in children undergoing surgery. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of a specific non-pharmacological technique, the relaxation-guided imagery, in reducing both preoperative anxiety and postoperative pain in a sample of 60 children (6–12 years old) undergoing minor surgery who were randomly assigned to the experimental group (N = 30) or the control group (N = 30). The first group received the relaxation-guided imagery, before the induction of general anesthesia; the second group received standard care. The levels of preoperative anxiety and postoperative pain were assessed using, respectively, the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale and the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability Scale. The results showed a statistically significant difference between groups, with less anxiety and less pain for children included in the experimental group (p < .001; p < .001).

Conclusion: Results suggest that relaxation-guided imagery reduces preoperative anxiety and postoperative pain in children. Future studies should focus on developing protocols and studying the eventual reduction of administered drugs for anesthesia and pain.

What is Known: • Literature suggests the usefulness of relaxation-guided imagery in reducing anxiety and pain in the perioperative period. • Stronger evidences are needed to support the application of relaxation-guided imagery as routine care in pediatric surgery.
What is New: • To our knowledge, this is the first randomized study to investigate the efficacy of relaxation-guided imagery in reducing preoperative anxiety and postoperative pain within a single pediatric sample. • The present study provides stronger evidence in an area that is lacking in research.

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Title: Relaxation-guided imagery reduces perioperative anxiety and pain in children: a randomized study
Authors: Laura Vagnoli
Alessandra Bettini
Elena Amore
Salvatore De Masi
Andrea Messeri
Publication date: 01-06-2019
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keyword: Anxiety
Published in: European Journal of Pediatrics / Issue 6/2019
Print ISSN: 0340-6199
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1076
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-019-03376-x

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Relaxation-guided imagery reduces perioperative anxiety and pain in children: a randomized study

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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