The role of video-based multimedia information in reduction of anxiety before dilatation and curettage

Considerable amount of women undergoing dilatation and curettage (D&C) are subject to preoperative anxiety. We hypothesized that the implementation of video-based multimedia information (MMI) before the D&C might facilitate patients' education and provide clear information regarding the procedure. This study aimed to compare the impact of video-based MMI and conventional written information on anxiety, pain severity, and satisfaction in patients undergoing D&C. Seventy four women scheduled for D&C for abnormal uterine bleeding were enrolled in this prospective randomized study. Subjects were assigned to receive a video-based MMI or conventional written information (controls). The trait and state anxiety were assessed using the State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) before the MMI or written information. STAI-state (STAI-S) was repeated after the application of the MMI or written information. All patients underwent D&C by the same gynecologist. Following D&C, patient satisfaction and procedural pain were ranked using a Likert scale and Visual Analogue Scale. Post-informational STAI-S score was significantly lower than the pre-informational STAI-S score in the video group (p