AORN J. 2001 Sep; 74(3): 333-7.

Creating a positive surgical experience for patients.

Garbee DD, Beare PG.

Adult Health Department, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, USA.

Perioperative nurses strive to provide a positive surgical environment and, thus, a positive surgical experience for all patients. Blending traditional medicine with complementary therapies is one way to accomplish this task. This article presents a brief review of literature about traditional and complementary interventions used successfully in health care settings, along with a case study illustrating how one facility integrated these therapies into surgical patient care. The facility's goal was to increase patient satisfaction and create a positive surgical experience.