Effect of media distraction (audio‑visual and music) for pain and anxiety control in patients undergoing shock‑wave lithotripsy: A systematic review and meta‑analysis

Abstract

Audio-visual (AV) or music distraction may be used to reduce pain during several healthcare procedures. The present manuscript is a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effectiveness of media distraction in reducing pain and anxiety in extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) patients. The PubMed, Embase, Scopus, BioMed Central, Ovoid and CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) databases were screened for studies assessing the role of media distraction (music/AV media) in reducing pain and anxiety of ESWL patients. Data were summarized using the mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). A total of 11 randomized controlled trials were included. Pooled analysis indicated a statistically significant difference in pain outcomes with media distraction [mean difference (MD): -1.18; 95% CI: -2.35, -0.01; I 2 =96.8%)]. Subgroup analysis indicated that both AV media (MD: -2.94; 95% CI: -4.70, -1.17; I 2 =79.2%) and music (MD: -0.86; 95% CI: -1.37, -0.35; I 2 =62.5%), led to significant reduction in pain outcomes. Pooled analysis indicated a statistically significant reduction of anxiety scores with the use of media distraction (MD: -3.91; 95% CI: -6.44, -1.38; I 2 =77.7%). To conclude, the present review suggests that media distraction in the form of AV media or music may be beneficial in reducing the pain and anxiety of patients undergoing ESWL. Evidence is, however, weak considering the small effect size, confidence intervals being close to zero, and instability of the results on sensitivity analysis. In clinical practice, media distraction may be used during ESWL as a nursing intervention, but a clinically important reduction of pain and anxiety may not be expected.

Watching a movie or listening to music is effective in managing perioperative anxiety and pain: a randomised controlled trial

“…The use of AVD has been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety in numerous dental and paediatric care procedures and can reduce pain and the administration of sedative medication [ 15 , 37 , 38 , 40 ]. It is often argued that AVD is more immersive than AD and, therefore may have a greater impact on stress and pain than AD, thereby improving patients’ overall experience when undergoing surgery in a conscious state [ 22 , 24 , 29 , 44 ]. However, to our knowledge, no studies have examined the clinical benefits of comparing AVD and AD for adult patients in the same-day surgical setting.…”

Comparing Auditory and Visual Distractions for Reducing Pain Severity and Pain Anxiety in Older Outpatients with Burn: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Distraction inhibits the activity of the thalamus, insular cortex, and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and ultimately reduces pain [ 22 ]. Moreover, distraction improves patients’ feelings and helps them to feel more comfortable [ 23 ]. Older people can benefit from distraction techniques more than young adults, as they favor positive over negative stimuli [ 24 ].…”