The effect of Reiki on pain and anxiety in women with abdominal hysterectomies: a quasi-experimental pilot study

Holist Nurs Pract. 2006 Nov-Dec;20(6):263-72; quiz 273-4.

Abstract

The purpose of this pilot study was to compare reports of pain and levels of state anxiety in 2 groups of women after abdominal hysterectomy. A quasi-experimental design was used in which the experimental group (n = 10) received traditional nursing care plus three 30-minute sessions of Reiki, while the control group (n = 12) received traditional nursing care. The results indicated that the experimental group reported less pain and requested fewer analgesics than the control group. Also, the experimental group reported less state anxiety than the control group on discharge at 72 hours postoperation. The authors recommend replication of this study with a similar population, such as women who require nonemergency cesarian section deliveries.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Anxiety / prevention & control
  • Anxiety / therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hysterectomy*
  • Middle Aged
  • Pain Measurement / methods
  • Pain, Postoperative / prevention & control
  • Pain, Postoperative / therapy*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Therapeutic Touch / methods*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Women's Health*