Abstract

THE ROLE OF NURSING IN MIND-BODY THERAPIES FOR IMPROVING POSTOPERATIVE RESULTS: A REVIEW

Hussain Muidh Hadi Alqahtani*, Naif Ghanem M. Alotaibi and Maryam Saud Alsharif

ABSTRACT

Background: The integration of mind-body therapies into surgical care has gained attention, particularly regarding their impact on postoperative outcomes. Psychological factors significantly influence recovery, and mind-body interventions may mitigate adverse effects on health. Methods: This systematic review followed the PRISMA guidelines to evaluate the effectiveness of pre-operative mind-body therapies (relaxation, guided imagery, hypnosis) on postoperative outcomes. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO, including studies published until 2012. The analysis focused on randomized controlled trials assessing pain relief, psychological well-being, and recovery metrics. Results: The review identified 20 relevant studies. Findings indicated that guided imagery consistently improved postoperative outcomes, with significant reductions in pain and anxiety reported across multiple trials. Conversely, the efficacy of relaxation techniques showed inconsistent results, with limited evidence supporting their benefits on pain management and psychological well-being. Hypnosis demonstrated modest effects, primarily on anxiety, with no significant impact on analgesic use or hospital stay duration noted. Conclusion: While guided imagery emerged as a beneficial pre-operative intervention, the overall quality of evidence for mind-body therapies remains low, with many studies exhibiting methodological limitations. Further research with larger sample sizes and robust designs is essential to validate these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms of mind-body interactions in surgical recovery. Enhancing the integration of these therapies into standard practice could improve patient outcomes and reduce postoperative complications.

Keywords: Mind-Body Therapy, Postoperative Outcomes, Nursing, Surgical Recovery, Guided Imagery, Hypnosis.