The HYPNOTIC study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
HYPnotic language as a NOvel Therapy for anxiety reduction in the Catheterisation laboratory: The HYPNOTIC study
IRAS ID
296366
Contact name
Rhian Beynon
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cwm Taf Morgannwg UHB
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 12 days
Research summary
There can be significant patient anxiety prior to and during invasive medical procedures. Performed 250,000 times a year in the UK, coronary angiography is a common medical procedure used to assess the blood vessels supplying the heart by inserting a wire through the skin, most commonly in the wrist area.
Despite the frequency with which coronary angiography is performed, there is relatively little evidence and consequently guidance as to how best manage the understandable anxiety that patients may face around the time of the procedure. A common approach is to use sedating medications to help ease patient anxiety, however the use of additional medications comes with drawbacks. Use of sedatives increases patient exposure to potential side effects and adverse reactions. There is a greater risk of breathing problems and consequently the need for greater monitoring and post procedure observation which can increase costs, including time and staff requirements.
There is growing evidence that the way patients are communicated with prior to and during invasive medical procedures, affects their pain and anxiety levels and can reduce the use of sedating medications. Indirect hypnosis is a method utilising body language and conversation to induce a therapeutic behavioural change by indirect suggestion.
We plan to compare semi-scripted language based on hypnotherapy techniques, to standard practice in patients undergoing their first diagnostic coronary angiogram. We aim to recruit 60 patients, 30 in the intervention group, 30 in the standard practice group. Any stable, English speaking, adult undergoing their first diagnostic coronary angiogram at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital will be eligible.
The participants will be required to complete a pre and post procedure questionnaire which should take around 30 minutes of their time. A number of other measurements including their heart rate and blood pressure will be recorded during the procedure as per standard practice.
REC name
North East - Tyne & Wear South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/NE/0108
Date of REC Opinion
5 Jul 2022
REC opinion
Unfavourable Opinion