Trial Information

Midcareer Development of Nonpharmacologic Analgesia

Pain relievers and sedatives may have limited effectiveness and serious side effects when
given to alleviate distress during minimally invasive surgical procedures. Unabated distress
may interfere with the ongoing procedure and may negatively impact future interventions.

Studies have shown that nonpharmacologic analgesia in the form of self-hypnotic relaxation
during invasive medical procedures significantly reduces patients' pain, anxiety, drug use,
and number of complications. The long-term goal of this study is to determine whether
self-hypnotic relaxation therapy can be a safe and practical method for reducing cognitive
and physiologic distress associated with invasive procedures.

Participants in this study will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: a standard care
group, an empathic control group, and a self-hypnotic relaxation group. The emphatic control
group will meet with a clinician who will offer encouragement and support. The group
assigned to self-hypnotic relaxation will read a standardized script prior to procedure.
Self-report questionnaires will be used to assess pain and anxiety.