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Review Article
Hypnosis for Procedure-Related Pain
and Distress in Pediatric Cancer Patients:
A Systematic Review of Effectiveness
and Methodology Related
to Hypnosis Interventions
Janet Richardson, BSc (Hons), PhD, RN, CPsychol, PGCE, RNT,
Joanna E. Smith, BA (Hons), MSc, Gillian McCall, DCR, MSc,
and Karen Pilkington, BPharm (Hons), DipInfSci, MSc, PCME, MRPharmS
Faculty of Health and Social Work (J.R.), University of Plymouth, Plymouth; School of Integrated
Health (J.E.S., K.P.), University of Westminster, London; and South East London Cancer Center
(G.M.), St. Thomas Hospital, London, United Kingdom
Abstract
The aim of this study was to systematically review and critically appraise the evidence on the
effectiveness of hypnosis for procedure-related pain and distress in pediatric cancer patients.
A comprehensive search of major biomedical and specialist complementary and alternative
medicine databases was conducted. Citations were included from the databases’ inception to
March 2005. Efforts were made to identify unpublished and ongoing research. Controlled
trials were appraised using predefined criteria. Clinical commentaries were obtained for each
study. Seven randomized controlled clinical trials and one controlled clinical trial were
found. Studies report positive results, including statistically significant reductions in pain
and anxiety/distress, but a number of methodological limitations were identified. Systematic
searching and appraisal has demonstrated that hypnosis has potential as a clinically
valuable intervention for procedure-related pain and distress in pediatric cancer patients.
Further research into the effectiveness and acceptability of hypnosis for pediatric cancer
patients is recommended.
J Pain Symptom Manage 2006;31:70--84.
2006 U.S.