Effect of Visualized Meditation on Anxiety, Pain, and Comfort in Patients Undergoing Endoscopy

Effect of Visualized Meditation on Anxiety, Pain, and Comfort in Patients Undergoing Endoscopy

Endoscopy is one of the most frequently performed procedures for the early diagnosis and treatment of many diseases and plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and treatment of upper gastrointestinal disorders. Sometimes, endoscopy may be the only option for detecting certain diseases of the stomach and larynx. However, for many patients, endoscopy is considered an invasive, highly painful, and extremely uncomfortable procedure. Furthermore, anxiety and fear felt before the procedure can cause physical and emotional discomfort, disrupt patient comfort, and cause pain.

Endoscopy is one of the most frequently performed procedures for the early diagnosis and treatment of various gastrointestinal disorders and plays a critical role, particularly in the evaluation of upper gastrointestinal system pathologies. In certain clinical situations, endoscopy may be the only reliable method for identifying diseases occurring in the stomach, esophagus, and larynx. Despite its diagnostic and therapeutic value, endoscopy is commonly perceived by patients as an invasive, uncomfortable, and often painful procedure. In addition, the anxiety and fear experienced before the procedure can lead to both physical and emotional distress, negatively affecting overall patient comfort and potentially intensifying the perception of pain.

Moderate to severe anxiety during endoscopy has been shown to increase the likelihood of procedural difficulties, prolong the duration of the examination, reduce patient satisfaction, and elevate the risk of complications. These adverse effects highlight the importance of implementing non-pharmacological strategies aimed at reducing anxiety and improving patient comfort. One such approach-guided visualization or visualized meditation-has gained attention as a simple, cost-effective, and patient-friendly method that promotes relaxation, reduces emotional tension, and supports pain management.

Considering the potential of guided visualization to enhance tolerance to the procedure and improve patient experiences, researchers were motivated to explore its effectiveness in this specific population. Therefore, this study was designed to determine the effect of visualized meditation applied to patients undergoing endoscopy on their levels of anxiety, pain, and comfort.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients over the age of 18, with no hearing impairment,
• Students undergoing endoscopy for the first time,
• Not diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder and therefore not on medication,
• Willing to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients who refused to participate in the study, underwent endoscopy for biopsy, or received deep sedation.
• Patients who volunteered to participate and then wished to withdraw from the study at any stage.