Relaxation strategies for patients during dermatologic surgery

Area of Science:

• Psychoneuroimmunology
• Dermatologic Surgery
• Patient Anxiety Management

Background:

• Preoperative and intraprocedural stress and anxiety are common in dermatologic surgery.
• These psychological states can negatively impact procedure performance, cause hemodynamic instability (e.g., hypertension, syncope), and increase patient discomfort.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review non-pharmacological methods for detecting and managing patient stress and anxiety during dermatologic procedures.
• To highlight the benefits of employing relaxation techniques to improve patient experience and outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Discussion of various relaxation techniques: slower breathing, biofeedback (including handheld heart rate variability devices), progressive muscular relaxation, guided imagery, hypnosis, meditation, and music therapy.
• Exploration of different modalities for delivering these interventions (e.g., recorded, live, self-guided).

Main Results:

• Relaxation techniques can effectively calm patients, rebalance the autonomic nervous system, and improve immune functioning.
• Specific methods like guided imagery and hypnosis can be delivered live or recorded, with varying requirements for patient and provider experience.
• Music therapy, both live and recorded, can also reduce discomfort and enhance patient attitude.

Conclusions:

• Early detection of patient stress allows for timely intervention with palliative or corrective measures.
• Implementing relaxation techniques is crucial for optimizing the patient experience and potentially improving dermatologic surgical outcomes.
• Mind-body interventions offer a valuable, non-pharmacological approach to managing psychological distress in dermatologic surgery settings.