The use of video-based multimedia information (MMI) is showing promise for enhancing patient experiences undergoing medical procedures, particularly amniocentesis, according to recent research conducted by Nihal Çallıoğlu and colleagues. Their study, published on March 5, 2025, examined whether providing informative videos prior to the procedure could alleviate the anxiety and pain commonly associated with this invasive prenatal diagnostic test.
With more than 160 women aged 18 to 45 participating, this randomized controlled trial highlighted the psychological burden many pregnant women face during amniocentesis. This procedure, primarily used to assess fetal health by extracting amniotic fluid, often leaves women fearing potential complications and discomfort. Recognizing these anxieties, the study aimed to explore if video information could improve patients' emotional states and satisfaction rates.
The participants were randomly assigned to either receive standard written information or watch a concise five-minute video detailing the amniocentesis process, its purpose, possible complications, and soothing strategies. The outcomes measured were anxiety levels before and after the procedure using the State and Trait Anxiety Inventory-State (STAI-S) and satisfaction ratings through various scales.
Results revealed interesting findings. Post-procedure anxiety scores were significantly lower for both groups compared to their pre-procedure levels, indicating some level of anxiety alleviation from both types of informational delivery. Specifically, the STAI-S scores dropped to 47.8 (± 5.23) for the video group and 46.75 (± 7.35) for the control group. Notably, the satisfaction rate among those who viewed the video was markedly higher—such levels climbed to 69.05% compared to 48.68% for those receiving only written information.
Despite these improvements, the study emphasized no significant differences existed between the groups concerning pain levels and the perceived ease of the procedure. Pain ratings recorded after the procedure were similar for both groups, raising questions about whether multimedia information could effectively influence these experiences. "Performing video-based MMI before the amniocentesis procedure is associated with higher patient satisfaction than standard written information," the authors wrote. "Video-based MMI was not associated with reductions in pain and anxiety during the procedure."
The study's authors advocate for improved patient education, noting this is particularly important as invasive procedures can induce considerable stress. They suggest the increased satisfaction rates may encourage greater acceptance of necessary procedures among expectant mothers. This aligns with earlier studies indicating video information might be more effective than traditional written materials, as evidenced by other research showing reduced pre-amniocentesis anxiety levels.
Past research has long pointed to the psychological strain of amniocentesis, with figures citing up to 24% of candidates reporting moderate to high anxiety. Consequently, clear, effective communication methods become pivotal. The authors also noted challenges and limitations of their study—most significantly, the exclusion of women with limited literacy skills who might benefit most from video explanations.
Importantly, the study contributes to the broader conversation on how healthcare practitioners can utilize technology to improve patient experiences. It suggests future research avenues could explore whether education techniques impact patients' willingness to undergo amniocentesis altogether or whether they significantly influence pre-procedure anxiety levels.
While the study concluded viewing video-based MMI before amniocentesis might not dampen pain or anxiety, it certainly increases patient satisfaction—a finding too significant to overlook. Further work will be needed to dissect how best to support women through their care journeys, particularly during stressful moments such as prenatal diagnostics.