Hospitalization, although often necessary for a patient's health, can cause a great deal of anxiety and fear. For many, it is associated with uncertainty, fear of medical procedures and separation from loved ones. Effective methods of reducing this anxiety are key not only to patients' psychological wellbeing, but also to improving treatment and rehabilitation outcomes.
Relaxation techniques
Relaxation techniques are an effective tool in reducing anxiety before hospitalisation. Among the most commonly used methods are:
- Breathing techniques
Breathing techniques are widely recommended as an effective tool for stress and anxiety management. Deep breathing exercises such as the 4-7-8 technique, which involves breathing in slowly through the nose, holding the breath for a count of 7 and exhaling slowly through the mouth, can not only relieve muscle tension but also reduce levels of stress hormones such as cortisol.
- Meditation and visualisation
Meditation and visualisation are practices that focus the patient's attention on peaceful and positive images. Mindfulness meditation and visualisation of positive treatment outcomes can help the patient to take control of their mental state. Regular practice of meditation can reduce the stress response through structural changes in the brain, which affects the regulation of emotions.
- Progressive muscle relaxation
Progressive muscle relaxation is a technique based on awareness of the tension and relaxation of individual muscle groups. Starting from the toes, the patient gradually tenses and then relaxes the muscles of different parts of the body. This method is effective in reducing the physical tension and psychological discomfort associated with anticipated hospitalisation.
Interpersonal communication
Clear and empathetic communication from medical staff plays a key role in reducing stress in patients. Understanding and support from staff can significantly reduce fear and anxiety before hospitalisation. Examples of effective communication practices include:
- Empathic approach: medical staff who are able to empathise with patients can respond more effectively to their emotional needs. Demonstrating empathy when talking to a patient can reduce their anxiety by making them feel understood and accepted.
- Clear communication: Communicating clear information about procedures, expectations and possible treatment outcomes is key to reducing patient anxiety. Clarity of communication helps the patient to feel more confident and better prepared for upcoming events.
- Openness to questions: Being open and willing to answer a patient's questions is invaluable in building trust and reducing anxiety. This enables the patient to better understand their situation and feel in control of decisions about their health.
- Emotional support: Medical staff can offer emotional support to the patient by listening to their concerns and fears and responding to them in a way that supports and optimises the patient's psychological wellbeing.
- Accessibility and access to resources: Ensuring that the patient has access to necessary resources, such as information about psychological therapies or emotional support, can increase their sense of security and reduce anxiety.
Patient education
Educating patients before hospitalisation plays an important role in reducing fear and anxiety. Informing patients about planned medical procedures, expectations and possible treatment outcomes is crucial. A detailed explanation of the processes that await them can significantly reduce uncertainty and increase the sense of control over the situation. Patients who are well informed are more likely to make informed decisions and better able to cope with the emotional aspects of hospitalisation. The availability of clear and understandable information and support in understanding their situation helps patients to feel safer and be more prepared for upcoming medical events.
In addition, educating patients before hospitalisation can also help to build trust between the patient and medical staff. Patients who understand their treatment and are clear about procedures are more likely to cooperate with medical staff and better adhere to recommendations after hospitalisation. In turn, this can have a significant impact on therapeutic efficacy and the effectiveness of the long-term management of their health. Therefore, investing in patient education is not only beneficial for their emotional wellbeing, but also for overall treatment outcomes.
Use of occupational therapy
Occupational therapy, such as art activities, reading books or music therapy, can be an effective tool in distracting patients and reducing their anxiety about hospitalisation. Engaging patients in creative activities, such as painting, drawing or making things with their hands, can help distract them from the stressful thoughts and experiences of hospitalisation. Additionally, reading books or listening to relaxing music can act as a form of distraction therapy to support patients' mental health and reduce their anxiety.
Occupational therapy not only contributes to the wellbeing of patients, but can also be an integral part of the rehabilitation programme, supporting the healing process and adaptation to the new hospital setting.
Effective management of patients' anxiety prior to hospitalisation requires an individualised approach and awareness of a variety of relaxation techniques and interpersonal support. The use of these methods not only improves patient comfort, but also contributes to better therapeutic and rehabilitation outcomes.