Multisensory Methods and Patient Comfort in Thyroid Biopsy

This study is designed as a quasi-experimental, pretest-posttest controlled intervention trial. The study will be conducted in the interventional radiology unit of Muş State Hospital, Türkiye. The target population consists of patients scheduled for thyroid (goiter) biopsy. Sample size was determined using G*Power software (version 3.1.9.7) based on a medium effect size (d = 0.5), α = 0.05, and statistical power of 0.80, resulting in a total sample of 68 participants (34 intervention and 34 control).

Participants will be assigned to groups using an alternating allocation method. Patients with even numbers will be allocated to the intervention group, and those with odd numbers to the control group. The intervention group will receive a multisensory relaxation intervention consisting of a therapeutic audiovisual (relaxing nature-based) video displayed immediately before and during the biopsy procedure. The aim of the intervention is to reduce procedural anxiety and discomfort. The control group will receive standard routine care without any additional intervention.

Eligibility criteria include being literate and free from diagnosed psychiatric disorders. Exclusion criteria include the presence of psychiatric or neurological conditions that may affect response reliability (e.g., bipolar disorder, dementia) and previous experience of thyroid biopsy.

Data will be collected using standardized instruments, including a researcher-developed demographic and clinical information form, a Visual Analog Scale for pain assessment (VAS-Pain; 0-10 scale), the State Anxiety Inventory for measuring situational anxiety, and a Visual Analog Scale for comfort (VAS-Comfort; 0-10 scale). These instruments will be used to evaluate psychological and procedural outcomes associated with the intervention.

Inclusion criteria

Literate individuals who can read and write Aged 18 years and older Scheduled to undergo thyroid (goiter) biopsy in the interventional radiology unit Voluntarily agreeing to participate in the study and providing informed consent No diagnosed psychiatric or cognitive impairment that may affect participation

Exclusion criteria

Presence of a diagnosed psychiatric disorder that may affect response reliability (e.g., bipolar disorder, dementia, schizophrenia) Previous history of thyroid biopsy Visual or hearing impairments that prevent viewing or understanding the intervention video Refusal to participate or withdrawal of consent at any stage of the study