Fernandez-Feito, A., Lana, A., Baldonedo-Cernuda, R., & Mosteiro-Diaz, M.P. (2015). A brief nursing intervention reduces anxiety before breast cancer screening mammography. Psicothema, 27, 128–133. 

To determine if a brief nursing intervention could reduce anxiety prior to screening mammography

Women received an intervention protocol consisting of face to face general information about screening as well as emotional support by discussing other topics related to the examination and anxiety. The intervention took about 10 minutes. Anxiety was assessed before the mammography. Anxiety also was assessed among women receiving usual care. The results from both groups were compared.

• N = 436
• AGE RANGE = 50–69 years
• FEMALES: 100%
• KEY DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: All were receiving screening mammography
• OTHER KEY SAMPLE CHARACTERISTICS: 63% had family history of cancer; none had pathology at the time of the study

• SITE: Single site
• SETTING TYPE: Outpatient  
• LOCATION: Spain

• PHASE OF CARE: Diagnostic

Randomized, controlled trial

• Speilberger Strait-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) 

Women in the experimental group had a significantly lower mean state anxiety score (p < 0.001) and a 60% likelihood of having lower anxiety (OR -0.40, 95% CI 0.25, 0.65). There were no differences between the groups in trait anxiety or expectations of pain from the procedure.

A brief psychoeducational intervention prior to a screening mammography appears to be effective in reducing anxiety associated with the screening mammography.

• Baseline sample/group differences of import
• Risk of bias (no blinding)
• Risk of bias (no appropriate attentional control condition)
• Key sample group differences that could influence results
• Other limitations/explanation: More patients in the experimental group were receiving antianxiety or antidepressant medications, approaching a statistically significant amount (p = 0.07). Randomization was not described. There was no baseline anxiety scoring, so it is not known if women in the experimental group had lower anxiety to begin with rather than as a result of the intervention.

A brief psychoeducational intervention providing information about mammography and breast cancer and giving women the opportunity to express anxiety concerns was associated with lower anxiety. In this study, the intervention took only 10 minutes, suggesting that it could be a practical approach to care. By spending a little time educating women and providing them the opportunity to express concerns, nurses can help reduce the anxiety that may be associated with screening mammographies.