Does Watching a Relaxing Video During Cystoscopy Affect Pain and Anxiety Levels of Female Patients? A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND

Cystoscopy is noted to be more painful in men. Research has been done to support the use of video in men to reduce pain; it would follow that video would be useful in reducing pain in women as well.

AIMS

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of watching a relaxing video during cystoscopy on the pain and anxiety levels of female patients.

DESIGN

The study was a single-center, parallel, randomized, controlled, nonblinded trial.

SETTING

This study was carried out in the cystoscopy unit of a training and research hospital in Turkey.

PARTICIPANTS

Sixty female patients aged 18 years and older undergoing rigid cystoscopy for the first time and under local anesthesia.

METHODS

The participants were randomized into two equal groups: video and control. Data were collected with Visual Analog Scale, State-Trait Anxiety Scale, and hemodynamic parameters.

RESULTS

A statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of pain levels during and after cystoscopy (p < .001). Pain levels were significantly lower in the video group during and after the procedure. A statistically significant difference was also found between the groups in terms of anxiety levels before and after cystoscopy (p < .05). Anxiety levels were significantly lower in the video group after the procedure. Satisfaction levels were higher in the video group (p < .001).

CONCLUSION

According to this study, watching a relaxing video during cystoscopy had a positive effect on pain, anxiety, satisfaction levels, and hemodynamic parameters of the patients.