Patient anxiety levels related to gynecologic examinations: use of the color breathwork relaxation method.

PATIENTS OFTEN REPORT anxiety related to undergoing a variety of invasive procedures, and the gynecologic examination is one of the most common of these procedures (Domar, 1985; Hilden, Sidenius, Langhoff-Roos, Wijma, & Schei, 2003; Reddy & Wasserman, 1997). For some invasive procedures, medications may be given to reduce patient anxiety levels, but often, nonpharmacologic interventions for anxiety are overlooked (Lang et al., 2006). Research has indicated that relaxation techniques can reduce patient anxiety (Menzies, Taylor, & Bourguignon, 2006; Scherwitz, McHenry, & Herrero, 2005; Sloman, 2002), and most studies have investigated the impact of repeated instruction and/ or practice experiences (Louie, 2004; Scherwitz et al., 2005). The need for multiple sessions precludes use of the method with outpatients who only have a single opportunity to both learn and use a relaxation method to reduce anxiety during a stressful medical procedure. This exploratory pilot study investigated the feasibility of instruction in and use of a relaxation approach called the Color Breathwork Method (CBM) by women experiencing a gynecologic examination. The CBM is a holistic intervention that combines the relaxation techniques of breathing, muscle group relaxation, and visualization (Barry, 1991, 2005). It is different from other relaxation methods in that during the initial instruction, participants are guided to visualize a peaceful scene and then to identify a color associated with that scene. Once a scene-specific peaceful color is identified by the participant, “breathing in” the color of peace and exhaling stress and anxiety become the focus of the guided relaxation session. Participants are told that they can use this method during stressful or anxiety-provoking situations by simply closing their eyes, breathing in their color of peace, and exhaling any stress or tension that they may be feeling (Barry, 2005). In this study, CBM was used to decrease anxiety associated with having a gynecological examination. The primary purpose was to examine changes in anxiety after CBM instruction. A secondary purpose was to explore the feasibility of CBM use during a gynecological examination.