The Use of Hypnotic Communication in PICC Placement: Randomized Controlled Trial Study

Davide Monolo a, Michela Barisone b, Giuseppe Cordio a, Marco Della Sanità a, Chiara Airoldi b, Danilo Radrizzani a, Erika Bassi b, Alberto Dal Molin b, Chiara Gallione b

a ASST Ovest Milanese, Legnano, Italy; bUniversity of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy

Published on American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis : https://doi.org/10.1080/00029157.2023.2258946

Introduction:

Every time a patient undergoes a medical procedure, unpredicted personal stress occurs. According to the available literature, the hypnotic communication technique has been used to reduce stress and pain during several major invasive procedures.

Objectives:

The primary goal of this study was to compare the effectiveness of hypnotic communication combined with buffered Lidocaine, versus buffered Lidocaine alone, on patients’ negative emotions while undergoing Peripherally Inserted Central Venous Catheter (PICC) placement. Secondary aims were evaluating patients’ pain, satisfaction, and procedure timing and costs.

Methods:

A randomized controlled trial was conducted in an Italian Hospital involving patients who needed a 4 FR Single Lumen PICC, with any disease or condition, aged over 18, cognitively oriented, able to hear, and willing to give consent. Emotional assessment was performed using the Emotion Thermometer Tool before and after performing the procedure.

Results: