In our study, it was considered to examine the effect of EMDR in reducing pain, one of
the most common complaints of RA patients. Over time, the emotional discomfort caused by
the pain increases with the persistence of the pain, and as a result, a medical condition
causes a psychological problem to develop. Pain is a learned emotional experience.
Therefore, psychological components should not be ignored in the evaluation of pain. At
the end of EMDR sessions, patients are confident that they can effectively live with it,
even if they have a very small amount of pain. He has learned to deal with pain without
fear or anxiety. No more pain for the patient; It has become meaning "just an
experience", realizing that living with pain is like traveling on a long road full of
hidden pitfalls.
EMDR applications have been used in many treatment applications in recent years. The
reasons for this are the rapid results after the treatment and the simplicity of the
procedure. EMDR has been accepted as an evidence-based treatment method by the UK
Department of Health (2001), the American Psychiatric Association (2004), the Australian
Post Traumatic Mental Health Center (2007) and the Dutch National Mental Health
Guidelines Guidance Committee (2003). The increasing prevalence of EMDR treatment in
psychiatric nursing practice is based on the increasing number of scientifically based
reports.
Studies have reported that EMDR application has positive effects on pain in different
sample groups. In the literature review, it was seen that EMDR was applied to RA patients
in only one study. In the study, 75 RA patients were divided into 2 intervention groups
and a control group to compare the effect of EMDR and directed imagery on pain severity
in RA patients. Between the two methods, it was concluded that EMDR was more effective on
pain compared to the directed imagery and control group. It is assumed that EMDR can
achieve beneficial results in RA patients.
The aim of the nursing approach is to enable the patient to recognize their psychological
state, try to reduce their negative emotions and use coping methods.The nurse has the
responsibility of educating patients about treatments, providing patient counseling, and
supporting the patient to make informed decisions and take responsibility for self-care.
He also needs to research about treatment options and follow up on current treatments and
interventions. Considering all these factors, it is thought that EMDR, which will be
applied to RA patients by specialist psychiatric nurses trained in this subject, can be
used as an independent nursing practice in reducing pain and improving vital signs.
With this study the investigators planned, EMDR will be applied to RA patients, and it
will be ensured that the data on whether this method is effective for pain will be
brought to the literature. With the qualitative dimension, which is the second dimension
of this study, which the investigators will bring to the literature, it will be ensured
that the patients also express their feelings. In addition, this study will lead to the
planning of new studies and publications, will reduce pain in patients with RA in whom
EMDR is applied, will offer alternative options that specialist psychiatric nurses can
apply in patients with pain, and will be a guiding resource for investigating the effect
of EMDR on the pain of RA patients.