Evaluation of an Anxiety Reducing Tool During Thyroid Biopsies: A Randomized Controlled Trial

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating whether using stress balls can reduce anxiety in patients undergoing thyroid biopsies performed under local anesthetic. This open-label, randomized controlled trial compares patients who use stress balls during their biopsy to those who do not. Thyroid biopsies were chosen because they are common procedures done without sedation, allowing clear assessment of anxiety without confounding effects. Patients are randomly assigned to either hold a foam stress ball in each hand during their biopsy or to receive no stress ball. Before the procedure, all participants complete a questionnaire measuring baseline anxiety using a visual analog scale (VAS). After the biopsy, they complete another questionnaire assessing their anxiety during the procedure and their general tendency to feel anxious. Those in the stress ball group also report whether they felt the stress balls helped reduce their anxiety. Participants will be asked to fill out these questionnaires immediately before and after the biopsy, with the total time between them about 115 minutes. Researchers will analyze changes in anxiety levels, considering age and sex, to determine if stress balls reduce anxiety by at least 15% on the VAS. The study also collects qualitative feedback on other anxiety-reducing ideas and monitors for any allergic reactions to the stress ball material. The trial results will be shared with healthcare professionals to inform future anxiety management during procedures.

Evaluation of an Anxiety Reduction Tool During Thyroid Biopsies