Guided imagery and music in the preoperative period and during radiotherapy in University Hospital for Tumors, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center in Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

Summary a comprehensive approach is essential in treating cancer patients, precisely because of the complexity and long duration of medical treatment, which involves lengthy and often painful and exhausting medical procedures that often cause different consequences. The diagnosis of cancer, surgery, and (neo)adjuvant therapies such as chemotherapy or radiothera py also cause severe psychological and emotional distress. psychosocial oncology provides the use of supportive-comple-mentary as well as psychosocial interventions and methods as a form of a holistic approach during conventional medical treatment in cancer care, regardless of the stage of cancer or the current type of treatment. The apparent need for such type of cancer care also was demonstrated in University Hospital for Tumors, sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Centre in Zagreb, in the preoperative period and during radiotherapy through applying deep breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, guided imagery and music. In addition to achieving relaxation and adopting stress management methods, an es sential basis was a positive impact on the postoperative course as much as possible. The program included 315 hospitalized patients over the course of 8 months, and due to the possibility of repeated participation - with 478 patient sessions. The subjective participants` impression of the psychosocial oncology program was positive, with tendencies towards applying the adopted techniques even after hospitalization.