The influence of a structured telephone call on orthodontic pain and anxiety.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

This purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a structured telephone call after orthodontic appliance placement on self-reported pain and anxiety.

METHODS:

One hundred-fifty orthodontic patients were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups and matched for age, sex, and ethnicity. The subjects completed baseline questionnaires to assess their levels of pain (on a 100-mm visual analog scale) and anxiety (Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory) before orthodontic treatment. After the initial archwires were placed, all subjects completed the pain questionnaire and state-anxiety inventory at the same time daily for 1 week. One group also received a structured telephone call demonstrating care and reassurance; the second group received an attention-only telephone call, thanking them for participating in the study; the third group served as a control.

RESULTS:

Although both telephone groups reported significantly less pain (P = .005) and state-anxiety (P = .033) than the control group, there was no difference between the 2 telephone groups (P > .12 for pain; P > .81 for state-anxiety).

CONCLUSIONS:

A telephone call from a health-care provider reduced patients' self-reported pain and anxiety; the content of the telephone call was not important.

• Authors: Brian W Bartlett, Allen R Firestone, Katherine W L Vig, F Michael Beck, Phillip T Marucha
• Journal: American journal of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics : official publication of the American Association of Orthodontists, its constituent societies, and the American Board of Orthodontics (Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop) Vol. 128 Issue 4 Pg. 435-41 (Oct 2005) ISSN: 0889-5406 [Print] United States
• PMID: 16214624 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Topics

• Adaptation, Psychological
• Adolescent
• Analysis of Variance
• Dental Anxiety (etiology, psychology)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Matched-Pair Analysis
• Orthodontic Appliances (adverse effects)
• Pain (etiology, psychology)
• Pain Threshold (psychology)
• Patient Satisfaction
• Professional-Patient Relations
• Surveys and Questionnaires
• Telephone