Guided imagery effects on chemotherapy induced nausea and
vomiting in Iranian breast cancer patients
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Abstract
Background: The objective of this study was to examine the effect of guided imagery on chemotherapy
induced nausea and vomiting in breast cancer patients.
Design: This was a quasi-experimental study in which a group of sample was evaluated pre and post
intervention. A convenience sample of 55 eligible breast cancer patients enrolled to participate in this
study after giving informed consent. They completed the Morrow Assessment of Nausea and Vomiting,
before and after the intervention. The intervention consisted of listening to the two guided imagery
tracks.
Findings: After the intervention, patients at the third session of chemotherapy had significantly lower
mean scores in the frequency and severity of nausea and vomiting pre and post chemotherapy (p < 0.05).
Conclusions: Guided imagery, as an inexpensive and noninvasive method, is particularly appealing option
to alleviate chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting. It can be used in addition to pharmacological
strategies and can be implemented by patients independently with sufficient training. Therefore,
this therapy will considerably improve severity and frequency of chemotherapy induced nausea and
vomiting