Perceptions of the effects of recorded hypnosis and relaxation interventions for cancer survivors with chronic pain

Abstract

Background: Cancer survivors with chronic pain experience pain relief with hypnosis and relaxation approaches; however, the effects of hypnosis and relaxation audio recording interventions on chronic pain have not yet been described from the perspective of the cancer survivor. The purpose of this study was to better understand cancer survivors' experiences using hypnosis and relaxation interventions.

Materials and methods: A randomized controlled trial with 109 cancer survivors experiencing chronic pain were assigned to the hypnosis (n = 55) or relaxation (n = 54) audio recordings. Participants listened to audio recordings daily for four weeks. A structured interview was conducted post-treatment to explore participants' experience in using either the recorded hypnosis or relaxation intervention. Two reviewers independently conducted thematic analysis on all transcripts and then organized findings to identify salient themes.

Results: Qualitative interviews were completed by 77 (71 %) of the participants. Cancer survivors who listened to either the hypnosis or relaxation audio recordings described similar effects of the interventions. Four major themes were identified: (1) pain relief, (2) control over pain, (3) improvement in other symptoms, and (4) positive experiences. Central to the participants' experiences, the interventions gave them another tool to manage their pain.

Conclusion: The unique perspectives of cancer survivors with chronic pain add to our understanding of the effectiveness of hypnosis and relaxation audio recordings in the management of chronic pain. These interventions are described as having both physical and psychological benefits for cancer survivors.