The effects of reiki and guided imagery on pain and fatigue in cancer patients

Aim: This study aimed to determine the effects of reiki and guided imagery on pain and fatigue in cancer patients. Materials and Methods: The population of the study, which was conducted using a semi-trial model with pretest-posttest control groups, consisted of patients hospitalized at the Medical Oncology Hospital of the Faculty of Medicine of Dicle University. The sample consisted of 180 patients: 60 in the reiki group, 60 in the guided imagery group, and 60 in the control group, all of whom were selected using power analysis and random sampling. The data were collected using a patient identification form, visual comparison scale, and Piper Fatigue Scale (PFS) between July 2017 and February 2018. The patients in the reiki group were administered 25–30-minute reiki application on three successive days. The patients in the guided imagery group were made to watch a continuing guided imagery CD (duration 15'53") on three successive days. No application was administered to the control group. The data were evaluated using descriptive statistics, paired t-test, Chi-squared, one-way ANOVA analysis, and Tukey test. Findings: It was found that the pain and total fatigue levels of the groups to whom reiki and guided imagery were administered decreased and that there was a statistically significant difference between the groups (p<0.05). The mean pain and fatigue scores of the control group decreased after the application and the difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Conclusion: The administering of reiki and guided imagery to cancer patients reduced their pain and fatigue. Keywords: Patient, Nursing, Oncology, Reiki, Guided Imagery