Guided meditation to reduce anxiety before cancer surgery

Enhancing Quality of Patient Experience Via an Innovative Reduction of Pre-Operative Anxiety

Not applicable Interventional Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center · NCT06949943

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

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment300 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorOhio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Columbus, Ohio)
Trial IDNCT06949943 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are scheduled for cancer-directed surgery.

Not a fit: Patients who cannot speak English, have dementia, are incarcerated, or have significant hearing impairments may not benefit from this study.

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 performed: Previous studies have shown that mindfulness techniques, including guided meditation, can effectively reduce anxiety, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Columbus, Ohio

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Hematopoietic and Lymphatic System NeoplasmMalignant Solid Neoplasm
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.