A Comparative Evaluation of Two Counselling Procedures to Assess Anxiety Levels in Patients Undergoing Oral Biopsy Procedures

Abstract

Background: Biopsy is an invasive procedure, hence it is generally associated with anxiety and emotional distress. Patient education and counselling regarding the procedure might help in reducing stress. Aim: To comparatively evaluate anxiety levels during oral biopsy procedures between two groups of patients counselled with either video counselling or verbal counselling. Materials & Methods: 30 patients who consented to undergo oral biopsy were divided into two groups of 15 patients each. Group 1, the control group, was given verbal counselling, Group 2 - study group, was given video counselling. Baseline scores of pulse rate, blood pressure and SpO2 were taken prior to the procedure. Anxiety levels were evaluated using the ‘State-Trait Anxiety Inventory’. After the counselling, pulse rate, blood pressure and SpO2 were recorded again. Visual Analogue Scale was used to assess pain levels after the procedure. Results: The blood pressure, pulse rate and SpO2 showed a negligible difference between verbal and visual counselling in both groups – pre-counselling and post- counselling. However, a significant difference was seen in blood pressure, pulse rate and SpO2 between the two groups - the baseline scores and post counselling score.