Psychotherapists can use HIPAA compliant emails to deliver personalized guided imagery, helping patients engage in therapeutic exercises outside of traditional therapy sessions.
What is guided imagery?
The APA Dictionary of Psychology defines guided imagery as “a mind-body technique involving the deliberate prompting of mental images to induce a relaxed, focused state with the goal of achieving such varied purposes as managing stress or pain, promoting healing, or enhancing performance.”
It often involves a licensed therapist narrating individuals through vivid sensory experiences, as demonstrated by Ohio State Integrative Health, which offers free guided imagery recordings on:
- “Accessing inner intuition and wisdom
- Autogenic training
- Breathing deeply for relaxation and stress relief
- Comfort in the face of grief and loss
- Easing pain
- Pain management
- Prepare for procedure”
Is guided imagery effective?
Yes, guided imagery is effective for many individuals in various contexts. Medical News Today lists the following research-based benefits of guided imagery:
- “Relieves pain
- Alleviates stress
- Reduces anxiety
- Helps with quitting smoking
- Decreases depression symptoms
- Improves quality of sleep”
So, integrating this technique into HIPAA compliant emails can give patients a personalized and supportive experience while adhering to privacy regulations. Additionally, it gives the patient a tangible tool to promote healing, and patients can refer to it at their convenience.
Potential benefits of guided imagery in HIPAA compliant emails
Protecting patient privacy: Providers must use a HIPAA compliant platform, like Paubox, that uses encryption and protects patients’ protected health information (PHI) during transmission and at rest.
Pain relief: HIPAA compliant emails can be tailored according to patient needs and could distract them from their pain.
For example, if a patient is recovering from knee surgery, their provider can email soothing descriptions, like visualizations of warmth and comfort at the surgical site, to help them manage the pain.
Stress reduction and emotional support: Emailed guided imagery can help alleviate stress by promoting relaxation and providing emotional support.
For example, a HIPAA compliant email containing guided imagery can encourage a patient to close their eyes and visualize a serene natural setting, promoting relaxation.
Smoking cessation: HIPAA compliant emails can be tailored to help patients who wants to quit smoking, visualize themselves as non-smokers.
For example, providers can guide patients through descriptions of healthy lungs and vibrant energy replacing the imagery of smoke-filled rooms and coughing fits.
Decreasing depression: Providers can email guided imagery to patients struggling with depression. The email can, for example, invite the patient to visualize a serene landscape, with gentle breezes and warm sunlight enveloping them in a comforting embrace. As the patient imagines themselves surrounded by positivity, the imagery prompts them to release feelings of sadness and embrace a sense of hope.
Self-management: Providers can email guided imagery to encourage patients to actively participate in their healing process by visualizing positive outcomes.
For example, if a patient with a chronic condition feels overwhelmed in managing their health, their provider can use imagery of strength and resilience to encourage them to envision themselves overcoming challenges and achieving their health goals.
FAQs
Can guided imagery be HIPAA compliant?
Yes, guided imagery can be incorporated into HIPAA compliant emails by using a secure platform, like Paubox. These platforms encrypt sensitive data and prevent unauthorized access, adhering to HIPAA regulations.
Can providers send protected health information (PHI) via standard email?
No, providers can only send PHI via email if they use a HIPAA compliant platform that protects PHI during transit and at rest.
Can patients request alternative forms of communication under HIPAA?
Yes, under HIPAA, patients have the right to request alternative forms of communication, such as encrypted email or secure messaging apps, to receive their health information.
