Using stress balls to reduce anxiety during thyroid biopsies
Evaluation of An Anxiety Reducing Tool During Thyroid Biopsies: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This study is testing if using stress balls can help people feel less anxious during thyroid biopsies.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Nova Scotia Health Authority Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Halifax, Nova Scotia) |
| Trial ID | NCT06358612 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of stress balls as an anxiety reduction tool for patients undergoing thyroid biopsies under local anesthetic. Participants will be randomly assigned to either use stress balls during the procedure or not, and their anxiety levels will be assessed through questionnaires before and after the biopsy. The study aims to determine if this simple intervention can improve patient comfort and potentially reduce the need for sedation in future procedures. Conducted at the Victoria General Hospital in Halifax, the trial seeks to establish a low-cost method to enhance patient well-being during routine medical procedures.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are scheduled for a thyroid biopsy under local anesthetic.
Not a fit: Patients with prior biopsy experience or multiple thyroid lesions may not benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce anxiety for patients undergoing thyroid biopsies, improving their overall experience.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of stress balls in medical procedures is not widely studied, similar interventions have shown promise in reducing anxiety in other contexts.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age ≥ 18 2. Subjects undergoing thyroid biopsies under local anesthetic that can provide consent to treatment and for the research study. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Previous biopsy experience 2. Greater than one (1) thyroid lesion requiring biopsy 3. Known allergy or sensitivity to stress ball material or cleaning solutions.
Where this trial is running
Halifax, Nova Scotia
- Nova Scotia Health — Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Robert J Abraham, MD, FRCPC — Nova Scotia Health Authority/Dalhousie University
- Study coordinator: Robert Abraham, MD, FRCPC
- Email: radiology.research@dal.ca
- Phone: 902-473-2368
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.