Educational Materials for Anxiety During Mohs Surgery
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores ways to reduce anxiety in patients undergoing Mohs surgery, a procedure for treating skin cancer. It compares the anxiety levels of patients who have previously had Mohs surgery with those undergoing it for the first time. Additionally, the trial tests whether reading a short story (vignette) about the surgery experience helps ease anxiety. Suitable participants have undergone or are scheduled for Mohs surgery and can read English.
As an unphased trial, this study allows patients to contribute to research that could enhance the surgical experience for future patients.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.
What prior data suggests that these educational materials are safe for patients undergoing Mohs surgery?
Research shows that using educational materials and stories to manage anxiety is generally safe. Although specific safety data for these materials in Mohs surgery is lacking, providing information and engaging in calming activities often reduces anxiety without harm. Past studies have demonstrated that educating patients and communicating with them can enhance satisfaction and quality of life during medical procedures. While no direct negative effects from the educational materials or stories have been reported, they are considered safe as they involve reading and understanding patient experiences.12345
Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores how educational materials can help reduce anxiety in patients undergoing Mohs surgery. While standard pre-surgery education typically includes basic information about the procedure, this trial adds a unique twist by incorporating a vignette that describes the typical experience of a Mohs patient. This personalized narrative aims to give patients a clearer picture of what to expect, potentially calming nerves more effectively than standard materials alone. By testing this approach on both first-time and experienced patients, the trial seeks to find out if this method can make the surgery experience less stressful and improve overall patient satisfaction.
What evidence suggests that this trial's educational materials could be effective for reducing anxiety during Mohs surgery?
Research has shown that educational materials can help reduce anxiety during medical procedures like Mohs surgery. A review of studies found that effective education and communication increase patient satisfaction and reduce anxiety. In this trial, some participants will receive standard educational materials, while others will also read a vignette about a typical Mohs patient experience. Previous research used tools to measure anxiety reduction after patients received educational information. For those new to surgery, reading a short story about what to expect during Mohs surgery might help calm their nerves. These findings suggest that learning more about the procedure can make patients feel more comfortable during surgery.14567
Who Is on the Research Team?
Steven Feldman, MD, PhD
Principal Investigator
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for English-speaking adults aged 18-80 who are undergoing Mohs micrographic surgery for skin cancer or related tumors. It's not suitable for those unable to complete surveys, read a pamphlet about patient experiences, or have it read to them.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Intervention
Participants receive normal education material and may read a vignette about the typical experience of a Mohs patient, followed by a survey
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for anxiety levels using surveys and visual analog scales
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Normal Education Material
- Vignette
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Lead Sponsor