NCT06949943 · Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center
Pre-Operative Guided Meditation to Reduce Pre-Operative Anxiety in Patients Undergoing Cancer-Directed Surgery
What this study is about
This clinical trial tests how well guided meditation, compared to silence, works to reduce pre-operative anxiety in patients undergoing cancer-directed surgery. Pre-operative anxiety affects patient experience and has been found to be a predictor of severe post-operative pain and chronic pain after surgery, influencing the success and quality of a patient's recovery.
View original scientific description
This clinical trial tests how well guided meditation, compared to silence, works to reduce pre-operative anxiety in patients undergoing cancer-directed surgery. Pre-operative anxiety affects patient experience and has been found to be a predictor of severe post-operative pain and chronic pain after surgery, influencing the success and quality of a patient's recovery. While medication is often prescribed to improve anxiety symptoms, research has showed that mindfulness techniques can be used to decrease anxiety, improve comfort, and can impact both psychological and physiologic symptoms. Completing pre-operative guided meditation may work well to reduce pre-operative anxiety in patients undergoing cancer directive surgery.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Behavioral Intervention
Listen to guided meditation
BEHAVIORAL
Behavioral Intervention
Wear noise cancelling headphones
OTHER
Electronic Health Record Review
Ancillary studies
OTHER
Survey Administration
Ancillary studies
Primary outcome measures
Pre-operative anxiety (PROMIS Anxiety scale)
Time frame: Pre and post intervention, approximately 10 minutes
Measured with the Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System Anxiety. PROMIS Anxiety short form is an 8-item scale used to assess anxiety in individuals 18 years or older. Each item is on a 5-point scale to be summed, with higher scores indicating greater anxiety.
Pre-operative anxiety (single-item visual analog scale)
Time frame: Pre and post intervention, approximately 10 minutes
Measured by a single-item visual analog scale. The single-item visual analog scale will be used to assess momentary anxiety. The item will ask, "On a scale of 1 to 10, how anxious do you feel right now?" and patients will rate the level of anxiety on a scale of 0 to 10 (0=not at all anxious, 10=extremely anxious).
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Participants will be recruited among patients who are scheduled for cancer-directed surgery
- Participants must be 18 years or older
Exclusion criteria
- Participants will be excluded from the study if they cannot speak English (as the meditation is recorded in English)
- Currently incarcerated
- Have a diagnosis of dementia
- Are admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU)
- Have a hearing impairment that would make them unable to hear the recorded meditation
Where
- Columbus, Ohio
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced May 7, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations