The effect of guided imagery applied on geriatric orthopaedic patients on preoperative anxiety and comfort

Background: This study was designed to examine the effect of guided imagery applied to geriatric orthopaedic patients on preoperative anxiety and comfort. Methods: This study was conducted as a randomized controlled trial. The population of the study consisted of geriatric patients treated in the orthopaedics and traumatology clinic of a university hospital. The sample consisted of 80 patients, including the experimental group (n = 40) and the control group (n = 40). Personal Descriptive Form, The State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and General Comfort Scale were used as data collection tools. Results: After the guided imagery application, it was determined that the anxiety of the experimental group decreased statistically significantly, and their comfort improved (P < 0.05). Conclusion: After the imagery, it was determined that the patients in the experimental group had a decrease in their anxiety level and an improvement in their comfort. Since it is a low-cost and easily accessible method, applying imagery in the preoperative period is recommended.