Provision of information leaflet before urodynamic study reduces the pre-examination anxiety level

The effect of aromatherapy during urodynamic testing on patients anxiety and cortisol levels: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

During urodynamic testing (UT), patients may experience emotions such as embarrassment, discomfort, irritability, and tension, which can cause anxiety. Aromatherapy is a complementary and alternative treatment that may be employed in clinical settings to alleviate patients' anxiety before invasive procedures.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of aromatherapy on patients' anxiety and cortisol levels during UT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The sample of this single-center, prospective, two-armed, randomized controlled clinical study consisted of 98 patients undergoing UT. Patients were randomly assigned to the intervention group (n = 49) and the control group (n = 49). The anxiety level was assessed using the state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI), and measured with physiological responses to anxiety, such as changes in systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), and cortisol levels, pre and post-UT. Aromatherapy was applied to the intervention group starting 5 min before UT and continuing throughout the testing. The control group received routine treatment and care. Data were analyzed using Pearson's χ2, dependent samples t-tests, and independent samples t-tests.

RESULTS

In the study, post-UT anxiety in the intervention group was significantly lower than in the control group (p < 0.001), while SpO2 was higher (p = 0.021). In the study group, post-UT anxiety (p < 0.001), HR (p = 0.000), and cortisol levels (p = 0.005) decreased compared to pre-UT, whereas in the control group, anxiety (p < 0.001) and HR (p = 0.000) decreased, and SBP (p = 0.010) and RR (p = 0.004) increased.

CONCLUSIONS

Aromatherapy during UT positively influenced both the psychological and physiological responses to anxiety.

The Effect of Different Education Methods Before Invasive Urodynamics on Patients' Anxiety, Pain, Readiness and Satisfaction Levels: Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Urodynamic testing is an invasive procedure that causes pain and anxiety. Patient education is an evidence-based nursing intervention that relieves pain and anxiety and increases patient satisfaction.

AIMS

This study was carried out to compare the effects of different education methods utilized before a urodynamic testing procedure on patients' pain, anxiety, readiness for the procedure, and satisfaction.

METHODS

The study is a randomized controlled clinical trial. Participants (n = 80) were randomly assigned to four groups. While patients in the control group were provided with routine clinical information, patients in the intervention group were given education with brochures, videos, and brochure-supported videos. The research data were collected by using a Data Collection Form with items about participants' descriptive characteristics, the Visual Analog Scale, and the State Anxiety Inventory.

RESULTS

It was determined that pain expectation before urodynamics and the severity of pain during urodynamics were lower in intervention groups than in the control group. Pain expectation before urodynamics was lower in the brochure-supported video education group than in the brochure education group. Anxiety levels were lower and satisfaction levels were higher in the video education and brochure-supported video education groups than in the control and brochure education groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Of the methods utilized, it was determined that the most effective one was brochure-supported video education as it affected all parameters positively.

Lavender Aromatherapy for Anxiety and Pain During Multichannel Urodynamics: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to determine if there is a difference in anxiety during urodynamics in women given lavender aromatherapy (lavender) versus placebo.

METHODS

This was a randomized, controlled trial of women scheduled for urodynamic testing with baseline anxiety. Participants rated their anxiety and pain immediately before the examination and then were randomized to lavender or placebo. Anxiety and pain were assessed immediately after catheter placement and 15 minutes after termination of the study.

RESULTS

Data for 40 women who received lavender and 38 women who received placebo were available for analysis. Decrease in anxiety from baseline to catheter placement (-2 vs -0.5, P = 0.01) and 15 minutes post procedure was significantly greater in the lavender group. Postprocedure anxiety was lower in the lavender group compared with controls (0 vs 0.5, P = 0.001). No differences were seen in pain.

CONCLUSIONS

Lavender aromatherapy reduces anxiety during urodynamics.

Recommendations for conducting invasive urodynamics for men with lower urinary tract symptoms: Qualitative interview findings from a large randomized controlled trial (UPSTREAM)

Aims

To capture in‐depth qualitative evidence regarding attitudes to and experiences of urodynamic testing among men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) at each end of the clinical pathway.

Methods

Semi‐structured interview study conducted within the Urodynamics for Prostate Surgery: Randomized Evaluation of Assessment Methods (UPSTREAM) trial, which randomized men to a care pathway including urodynamics or routine non‐invasive tests from 26 secondary care urology sites across England. Men were interviewed after assessments but prior to treatment, or after surgery for LUTS. Men were purposively sampled to include those who had urodynamics and those who did not, and diversity in demographic characteristics and symptom burden. Interviews were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.

Results

Forty‐one men participated (25 pre‐treatment, 16 post‐surgery), ages 52‐89. The 16 men who had not previously experienced urodynamics said they would accept the test in their assessment, but some were apprehensive or wanted more information. The 25 men who had experienced urodynamics all found it acceptable, though some reported pain, infection, or embarrassment. Embarrassment was minimized by informing patients what the procedure would be like, and ensuring privacy. Urodynamics was valued for its perceived diagnostic insight. Information deficits were reported before, during, and after the test. How and when results were explained and the adequacy of explanations varied.

Conclusions

Urodynamics is acceptable to men with LUTS and generally well‐tolerated. To ensure patients are prepared and informed, good communication before and during the procedure is essential. Privacy should be prioritized, and test results discussed promptly and in sufficient detail. Staff require training and guidance in these areas.

The effects of a heating pad on anxiety, pain, and distress during urodynamic study in the female patients with stress urinary incontinence

AIMS

Although generally well tolerated, a urodynamic study is an unpleasant and stressful procedure for some patients. This study evaluated the effects of a heating pad on anxiety, pain, and distress during urodynamic studies in female patients with stress urinary incontinence.

METHODS

A total of 74 female patients with stress urinary incontinence who underwent a urodynamic study between May 2015 and October 2015 were randomized to either the experimental group using a heating pad (n = 37) or control group (n = 37). In the experimental group, a heating pad was applied on the patient's sacrum during the urodynamic study. All patients completed the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (20-80) before and after the procedure and assessed their degree of pain and distress after the procedure by the visual analog scale (0-10). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure and pulse rate were also checked before and after the procedure.

RESULTS

Demographic characteristics, mean age, procedure duration, pre and post-procedural systolic, and diastolic blood pressures, and pulse rate were statistically similar between the experimental and control groups. The mean State-Trait Anxiety Inventory was significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group (30.9 ± 7.5 vs 42.5 ± 10.1, P < 0.001). The experimental group showed significantly lower pain and distress scores (Visual Analog Scale, 2.7 ± 1.5, 3.0 ± 1.5) compared with the control group (4.0 ± 1.6, 4.7 ± 2.0, both P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Using a heating pad for female patients with stress urinary incontinence during a urodynamic study is a simple, economical, and effective therapy that enhances patient comfort and decreases anxiety, pain, and distress.

Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance as viewed by haematology healthcare professionals

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the words and descriptions used by haematology healthcare professionals (HCPs) to describe monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) to their patients.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey of haematology HCPs attending an annual haematology conference was undertaken. Content analysis was applied to the returned qualitative responses.

RESULTS

In total, 55 people, many of whom were doctors (n = 32; 58.2%), responded. The majority of respondents reported using simple terminology such as "abnormal protein" to describe MGUS to their patients. Some reported using analogies that the patient was more likely to be familiar with, such as comparing a paraprotein to the finding of a mole or lump. Education level, age and cognitive ability were cited as important factors in deciding how and whether information was relayed to patients. Many respondents supported frequent follow-up and the transfer of low-risk MGUS patients to primary care. However, several highlighted a lack of awareness and understanding of MGUS outside of haematology, particularly within primary care. Only 41.8% of respondents reported providing all of their patients with an information leaflet.

CONCLUSIONS

With an ageing population, it is important to consider management strategies for MGUS patients. Our findings will assist those in making these arrangements.