| Methods |
Randomized controlled trial. Blinding: nurses, counsellors, physicians and technicians were unaware of the interventions that were tested.
Free standing private reproductive health clinic in the metropolitan area of New England, USA. |
| Participants |
40 participants. English speaking. Mentally competent. Uncomplicated first trimester abortion. Gestational age 5 ‐ 11 weeks. |
| Interventions |
Group 1: relaxation ecxercise for 10 minutes prior to the procedure
Group 2: pleasant imagery (beach or mountain) 7 minute practice session prior to the procedure
Group 3: analgesic imagery 8 minute practice session prior to the procedure
Group 4: attention control no instruction in a technique but advise to use coping strategy that worked in a previous painful experience; 10‐15 minutes prior to the procedure .
All participants received local anesthesia. |
| Outcomes |
Pain sensation measured with a 10cm graphic rating scale, distress measured with a 10cm graphic rating scale at worst (assessed at the end or the procedure) as well as in the recovery area. Time participants used the technique during the procedure. Length or procedure, length of time in recovery area, analgesics for the first 24 hours after abortion. |
| Notes |
Out of 145 patients 43 agreed to participate. One did not meet inclusions criteria.
Per e‐mail communication with Ms Wells: randomized study, but does not recall method of randomization and allocation concealment. She herself did all the interventions and assessed the outcomes. Study length was 3‐4 months in 1985‐1986. Study participants underwent vacuum aspiration. Pilot study, undepowered. No industry sponsorship. |
| Risk of bias |
| Bias |
Authors' judgement |
Support for judgement |
| Allocation concealment? |
Unclear risk |
B ‐ Unclear |
