Positive Health Online

Abstract

AUSTRAN and colleagues, UMDNJ School of Health Related Professions USA studied the use of verbal expectancy to reduce pain.

Background

Methodology

25 hospitalised patients receiving arteriotomies were given one of two verbal instructions one hour apart prior to each incision. For the first arteriotomy, the right radial artery was prepped with alcohol without mention and administered non-expectancy instruction A "You may or may not feel pain. Everyone is different." After one hour, prior to the second incision, prepping the left radial artery with alcohol was brought to the patient's attention while providing expectancy instruction B "Notice how cool this feels, it's interesting how coldness numbs the skin."

Results

The administration of expectancy instruction B significantly reduced pain associated with arteriotomies.

Conclusion

References

Austan F et al. The use of verbal expectancy in reducing pain associated with arteriotomies. Am J Clin Hypn 39(3): 182-6. Jan 1997.