A Franco-Belgian study has shown the value of communication based on distraction when performing painful gestures.
The importance of words in pain, anxiety and discomfort
The results of this study, published in the journal British Journal of anesthesia, were presented this November at the 20th congress of the French Society for the Study and Treatment of Pain (SFETD).
The Franco-Belgian anesthesiologists at the origin of the trial were interested in the words spoken when placing an infusion on the back of the hand, a gesture that can generate pain, anxiety and a discomfort.
The trial was conducted on 300 adults who needed surgery and who needed an infusion.
The 300 patients were divided into three groups: 89 in the group hypnosis (caregiver distracts patient with unexpected sentences), 92 in group neutral (the caregiver describes the actions carried out in a neutral manner) and 91 in the group nocebo (the caregiver speaks negative words).
“Confusion relieves infusion”
During the infusion, the group hypnosis heard : “How did you get to the hospital this morning, how long did it take you to come?” Does your bike still go to the pool? “, the group neutral : “I place a rubber band, I disinfect, I put the infusion” and the nocebo : “I tighten the withers tightly, it’s cold, be careful, it’s going to hurt, one two three I sting”.
Results? Less pain, less anxiety and more comfort in the group hypnosis.
” Confusion relieves the infusion. Our results reinforce the need to teach therapeutic communication in the path of all caregivers and at all levels, from medical secretary to university professor. “, says Dr Fusco, an anesthesiologist at Rennes University Hospital, one of the authors of the trial.