Do professionals change their communication behaviours following a training in hypnosis-derived communication? A feasibility study in pediatric oncology

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility of a training in hypnotic communication techniques (HCTech) for pediatric nurses to prevent procedural pain and distress in children during venipunctures. Specifically, this study aimed to (1) assess nurses' mastery of HCTech and (2) nurses' experience regarding the training program.

Methods: Participants were 6 female pediatric nurses and 33 of their cancer patients. Nurses took part in a 4-day theoretical and practical training in HCTech. Venipuncture procedures were video-recorded and assessed to evaluate nurses' mastery of HCTech using a standardized scale. Pre-training use of HCTech was compared with post-training and follow-up for the entire nurse sample and across nurses with the same patients (109 nurse-patient interactions). After the follow-up, nurses were questioned about their experience in regards to the training and activities (themes and practice).

Results: Results showed medium pre-post changes in hypnotic communication behaviours (pre-post d = 0.74), with changes maintaining at follow-up (pre-follow-up d = 0.97). Interviews transcripts' analyses revealed moderate levels of motivation and satisfaction regarding the training content and format. Nurses suggested to emphasize on the practice of HCTech in a noisy outpatient clinic as well as offer more practical exercises.

Conclusion: A 4-day training in hypnotic communication techniques translated into the use of HCTech by nurses practicing in pediatric oncology when comparing the same dyads at baseline, post-training and follow-up. Results support further refinement and suggest nurses could be trained to prevent pain and distress with hypnosis-derived communication strategies.

Keywords: Healthcare professionals; Hypnosis-derived communication; Nurses; Oncology; Pain; Pediatrics; Procedural distress; Venipunctures.