Interventions to alleviate patients' stress: a review

Many events occurring in hospital have been found to be stressful for patients. Interventions aimed at alleviating these reactions have, in the main, been evaluated by psychologists and nurses. Methods used and contrasting approaches are reviewed. Although surgery has been the main event for this research, special investigations, treatments and hospital admission and discharge have also been studied. Outcome criteria have varied with physical measures being used more by nurses. Emphasis has been placed on preventing complications rather than enhancing recovery. Recent work has tended to compare types of intervention. Focused positive reappraisal and information on sensations are provided rather than procedural details as they have been found more successful in alleviating stress.