A qualitative analysis of the use of intraoperative acupuncture for patients with nosocomephobia

Nosocomephobia, a type of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is a diagnosis of an extreme fear of hospitals that can hinder current/future medical care. There is little research on how nosocomephobia affects elective surgery or how acupuncture can help patients cope.

Using the transactional model of stress/coping, this qualitative case study examined the role of acupuncture in nosocomephobia patients' elective surgery appraisal processes. Two patients were interviewed about their nosocomephobia and prior hospital experiences. Six reviewers coded interview transcripts line-by-line using Dedoose software. Reviewers labeled meaningful words, phrases and sentences and produced over 600 codes. Reviewers discussed/identified themes by grouping similar codes and resolving discrepancies. A thematic analysis was then used to develop final themes. Pseudonyms were assigned to protect patient privacy. Sophie had avascular necrosis in both hips and suffered PTSD from a previous traumatic event. Intraoperative acupuncture calmed her hospital anxiety, allowing her to have both hips replaced. Olivia had experienced PTSD and hospital phobia since she was 12 years old. Acupuncture reduced her anxiety surrounding a necessary knee arthrotomy and osteochondral allograft.

Thematic analysis showed how nosocomephobia impacted patients' views of surgery and distinguished between their unique fear rationale. The transactional model of stress/coping illustrated patients' appraisal process from surgery (stressor) to coping (acupuncture) to reappraisal (mental state).

Procedural visits can be stressful due to already heightened anxiety. Although no definitive conclusions can be drawn from this small, uncontrolled case series, acupuncture may represent a safe, noninvasive way for nosocomephobia patients to manage preoperative anxiety.