Psychological preparation for invasive medical and dental procedures

Abstract

Psychological preparation for invasive medical and dental procedures has been based on the rationale that high levels of preprocedural fear are detrimental to patients' subsequent adaptation. After a brief survey of the theoretical and empirical evidence pertaining to this rationale, the major psychological approaches designed to alleviate preprocedural concern and enhance recovery are discussed. Outcome studies that have employed informative, psychotherapeutic, modeling, behavioral, cognitive-behavioral, and/or hypnotic techniques are summarized and evaluated. Although the research suggests that each of these approaches can be effective, such serious methodological problems as heterogeneity of sample characteristics, limited range of outcome measures, and lack of manipulation checks prevent definitive conclusions. Legal-ethical concerns and the issue of cost effectiveness are also considered. Suggestions are made for future research and theory development.