The Feasibility and Effectiveness of Online Guided Imagery Training for Health Professionals

Abstract

This study evaluated the feasibility and impact of brief online guided imagery training (up to 3 hours) for health professionals. Paired t tests were used to measure pre-to-post-training changes in stress (Perceived Stress Scale,), anxiety (Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System–Anxiety Scale), empathy (Empathic Concern Scale, and Perspective-taking Scale), and self-efficacy (Self-Efficacy in providing Non-Drug Therapies Scale). Online guided imagery training attracted diverse health professionals and trainees (n = 273; 14% trainees; 34% registered nurses, 20% physicians, 14% social workers, 5% registered dititians, and 27% others). Participants reported small but significant pre-to-post-module improvements in stress (17.8 to 13.5), anxiety ( T -scores 56.4 to 54.3), empathy (both empathic concern, 29.8 to 30.7, and perspective taking, 28.0 to 29.4), and self-efficacy in providing nondrug therapies for common symptoms (58.5 to 77.0) ( P < .001 for all). Future studies will need to examine the clinical impact of online guided imagery training for health professionals.