Weighted blankets shown to reduce anxiety in hospitalized patients
A pilot study conducted at Saint Luke's Hospital found that hospitalized patients experienced significantly reduced anxiety after using 15-pound weighted blankets. The research suggests that these blankets serve as an effective nonpharmacologic intervention for acutely ill adults.
Why it matters
Identifying low-cost, non-drug interventions for anxiety can improve patient recovery outcomes and hospital experiences.
by American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
edited by Lisa Lock , reviewed by Andrew Zinin
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Add as preferred source Credit: RDNE Stock project from Pexels New research published in the American Journal of Critical Care found that patients reported significantly lower anxiety after a short treatment session with a 15-pound (6.8-kilogram) weighted blanket. The study is unique in its setting and patient population, with no previously published studies examining the blankets' use with acutely ill, hospitalized adults.
A team of nurses, supported by biostatisticians, conducted the small pilot study at Saint Luke's Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri, part of BJC Health West Region. Co-author Marci Ebberts, MSN, FNP-C, CCRN, is program director of nursing research at the hospital.
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