Music or guided imagery for women undergoing colposcopy: a randomized controlled study of effects on anxiety, perceived pain, and patient satisfaction.

Objective: It was hypothesized that music or guided imagery versus usual care would result in less anxiety and perceived pain for colposcopy patients.

Materials And Methods: Patients were randomized to music, guided imagery, or usual care after completing a baseline questionnaire. All patients completed a postprocedure questionnaire.

Results: Study participants (N=170) had a mean age of 28.4 years (SD=9.6; range 18-60) and formed a racially diverse group. Education/income levels were low. No between-group differences were found for postprocedure anxiety or pain rating.

Conclusions: Mind-body interventions had no statistically significant impact on reported anxiety, perceived pain, or satisfaction with care, even for those who anticipated the most pain or started with high anxiety.