| Learning Objective #1: Identify opportunities in a medical setting that create and promote a deeper caring environment; therefore encourage meaningful caregiver - patient connections | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Identify the healing/caring role of the holistic nurse in pain management utilizing transpersonal models of caring practice |
Area of Study The purpose of this evidence – based project is to investigate the effect of Mind-Body Techniques specifically; Therapeutic Suggestion (self hypnotherapy) on the management of pain and anxiety in hospitalized surgical patients' during the post-operative period.
Intervention The Surgical Preparation Program is an intervention that uses Mind – Body Techniques to enhance and promote self healing. These interventions include; Therapeutic Suggestion (Self Hypnotherapy), Relaxation, Visualization, Imagery and Caring.
Satisfaction Measurement This is an exploratory experimental pretest-posttest design and will be guided by intervention theory that will use a randomized convenience sample of patients that are scheduled for surgery. This study will use qualitative and quantitative measures to quantify the experience of pain, recovery time, and patient satisfaction. Subjects will be randomly selected from a convenience sample of surgical patients.
Expected Results Surgical patients' receiving Surgical Preparation Program will have less pain and distress during the post-operative period compared to patients' that receive no complimentary intervention. The hypothesis for this project asserts that improved pain management and decreased anxiety effects the patients' perception of the overall hospital experience.
Contribution and Significance Despite numerous research studies based primarily on pharmacological management, patients continue to suffer from pain. Despite the amount of evidence for the use of therapeutic suggestion, healing imagery and relaxation as an appropriate and effective intervention for patients suffering from pain and distress, there is no accepted protocol established for use in healthcare practice ( Nilsson, Rawal, Unestahl, et al, 2001). Results from this study will guide further research in the use of Therapeutic Suggestion to improve pain management, anxiety and patient satisfaction.