Hand-Holding during Cystoscopy Decreases Patient Anxiety, Pain, and Dissatisfaction: A Pilot Randomized Controlled...

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Patient Care
• Psychological Support

Background:

• Patient anxiety and discomfort are common during cystoscopy.
• Non-pharmacological interventions can aid in pain and anxiety management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of hand-holding on patient anxiety, pain, and satisfaction during cystoscopy.
• To assess if hand-holding improves patient comfort and tolerance.

Main Methods:

• Eighty-six male patients undergoing flexible cystoscopy were randomized into hand-holding or non-hand-holding groups.
• Anxiety was measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory.
• Pain, satisfaction, and willingness for repeat procedures were assessed using a visual analog scale.

Main Results:

• The hand-holding group showed significantly lower postprocedural anxiety levels, pain scores, heart rate, and systolic blood pressure.
• Patients in the hand-holding group reported higher satisfaction and were more willing to undergo repeat cystoscopy.
• No significant differences in demographic characteristics or procedure duration were observed between groups.

Conclusions:

• Hand-holding is an effective, simple, and inexpensive method to reduce anxiety, pain, and dissatisfaction during cystoscopy.
• This intervention can serve as an adjunct to sedation, enhancing patient experience.
• The findings support the integration of hand-holding into routine cystoscopy care.