Distress reduction and the effects of preparatory teaching films and patient control

Fifty patients undergoing nasogastric intubation for gastric analysis participated in an experiment comparing the distress-reducing effects of four different types of information about an unpleasant procedure. Filmstrips depicted the procedure only; the procedure with common distressful sensations; the procedure with coping behaviors; and the procedure with coping behaviors to relieve common distressful sensations. Patients were also tested on their preference for control. Distress was measured by self-ratings on a 10-item Nasogastric Intubation Checklist. Pain, discomfort, and anxiety pre-, during, and postmanipulation- intubation were measured on a visual scale. Willingness to repeat the procedure was measured on a four-point scale. The study showed that: (a) Procedure with sensory and coping behavior information was effective in decreasing discomfort, pain, and anxiety for control and no-control preference subjects during and after the procedure, but was most effective in reducing intubation distress for subjects preferring no control. (b) Sensory information led to greater willingness to repeat the procedure. (c) Perceived control had little effect on distress reduction.