Guided meditation to reduce anxiety before cancer surgery
Official title: Enhancing Quality of Patient Experience Via an Innovative Reduction of Pre-Operative Anxiety
Run by Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center · NCT06949943 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests if listening to a guided meditation can help reduce anxiety in patients getting ready for cancer surgery compared to wearing noise-canceling headphones.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Columbus, Ohio) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 14, 2025 |
| Main results expected | July 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | July 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | May 7, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06949943 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are scheduled for cancer-directed surgery.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who cannot speak English, have dementia, are incarcerated, or have significant hearing impairments may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of guided meditation in reducing pre-operative anxiety in patients scheduled for cancer-directed surgery. Participants are randomly assigned to either listen to a 10-minute guided meditation or wear noise-canceling headphones for the same duration before their procedure. The study aims to assess how these interventions impact patient anxiety levels, which can influence post-operative recovery and pain management. Follow-up assessments will be conducted for up to six months after the intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce pre-operative anxiety, leading to improved recovery outcomes for cancer surgery patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that mindfulness techniques, including guided meditation, can effectively reduce anxiety, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Participants will be recruited among patients who are scheduled for cancer-directed surgery * Participants must be 18 years or older Exclusion Criteria: * Participants will be excluded from the study if they cannot speak English (as the meditation is recorded in English) * Currently incarcerated * Have a diagnosis of dementia * Are admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) * Have a hearing impairment that would make them unable to hear the recorded meditation
Where it's running
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Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center
Columbus, Ohio, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Maryanna Klatt, PhD — Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Email: OSUCCCClinicaltrials@osumc.edu
- Phone: 800-293-5066
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.