Article A2692

Weighted Blankets to Reduce Anxiety in Hospitalized Patients

Author(s): Christine Rico, BSN, RN, CCRN, Krishna Bhadu, BSN, RN, CCRN, Brynn Callahan, BSN, RN, Zhuxuan Fu, PhD, MS, MPH, Philip P. Jones, MS, and Marci Ebberts, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, CCRN

Contact Hours 1.00

CERP A 1.00

Expires Sep 01, 2029

Topics: MultiSystem

Population: Adult

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Activity Summary

Before you Begin

1. Reflect on the following question: What new knowledge or perspective do you hope to gain from this activity?

2. Review: Implicit Bias and its Impact on Patient Outcomes (License requirement for California)

Description

Weighted blankets are increasingly recognized as a simple, nonpharmacologic approach to promoting relaxation and improving sleep, yet their use in hospitalized patients has been minimally explored. Anxiety is common among acutely ill patients and can negatively affect recovery, patient experience, and overall well-being. As health care teams seek safe and effective alternatives to medication-based interventions, there is growing interest in incorporating comfort-focused therapies into routine care. This work highlights the potential role of weighted blankets as a supportive strategy to reduce anxiety in hospitalized adults. Integrating such interventions into clinical practice may enhance patient-centered care by providing accessible, low-risk options to address emotional distress and improve the overall hospital experience.

Objectives

  • List 3 established therapeutic uses for weighted blankets.
  • Describe a patient who may benefit from a weighted blanket while hospitalized.
  • Identify a time when a weighted blanket would not be an appropriate intervention for a hospitalized patient.

Continuing Education Disclosure Statement

Criteria for Awarding Contact Hours

Learners must complete the entire activity and the associated evaluation AND read Implicit Bias impacts patient outcomes. No partial credit will be awarded.

Accreditation

American Association of Critical-Care Nurses is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.
Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider number CEP 1036, for {contactHours} contact hours.

Disclosures

The Nurse Planner has determined that no individuals with the ability to control content of this activity have relevant relationships with ineligible companies.

Activities with pharmacotherapeutic credit are to assist the APRN in fulfilling their education requirements for licensure and certification renewals.

Refund Policy

Continuing Education Activities are nonrefundable.