Integrating life and love in cardiac care: expanding GIM knowledge and evidence for everyday practice

Limited research exists exploring clinical applications of Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) within cardiac care. The current paper reflects on research knowledge as relevant to the preceding case report (Hawkins, 2024), in order to further elucidate the role and importance of GIM in relation to this applied practice example. Themes of (a) physical cardiac care, (b) emotional heart care, and (c) interprofessional team care are explored, linking research and practice knowledge in the context of this specific case. In doing so, broader understandings about cardiac care and specifically heart transplant can inform GIM practice into the future, to better serve clients experiencing cardiac care challenges within interprofessional GIM treatment approaches.