The use of guided imagery with anticipatory grief

The number of patients and families experiencing the phenomena of anticipatory grief is exploding as the incidence of AIDS increases and the use of life-extending medical technology becomes commonplace. Home care and hospice nurses, most often the healthcare professionals in constant daily contact with dying patients and their loved ones, must identify appropriate interventions to meet the challenges of anticipatory grief. This article describes one such intervention, the use of guided imagery, as an appropriate and effective intervention for facilitating constructive resolution for patients and their loved ones experiencing anticipatory grief.