Introduction. Hypnosis-based therapeutic communication (HBTC) is a type of communication based on hypnosis that can be easily and quickly learned and integrated into clinical practice. Several works have demonstrated HBTC efficacy in various clinical situations, and particularly its positive effects on pain perception and anxiety. This review aimed to examine current evidence regarding the effectiveness of HBTC training program course implementation within the healthcare context, and to investigate its potential effects on patient-provider communication and ultimately on clinical care.
Methods. Major electronic databases (PubMed, Embase.com, PsycINFO) were searched from inception to the end of 2021 for original studies on the implementation of HBTC in healthcare. Relevant titles, abstracts, and full texts were screened based on the eligibility criteria. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT), was used to evaluate methodological quality of the selected papers. Studies were too diverse to be combined in a meta-analysis. The findings of the studies were synthesized in a narrative way and outcomes were grouped according to Kirkpatrick’s “Four Levels of Training Evaluation Model”: reaction, knowledge, behavior and results (outcomes).
Results. Out of 1504 articles, 195 articles were preliminarily identified and screened for abstracts. After further reading the full texts, 7 references were finally included, including 5 quasi-experimental single group before-after intervention studies, 1 single blind, nonrandomized clinical trial, and 1 descriptive study. HBTC could impact outcomes at all Kirkpatrick’s levels: participant reaction was favorable in the 2 studies that reported it, whereas impact on knowledge and changes respectively occurred in 1 and 5 studies that reported it. A positive impact of HBCT implementation on patient-provider communication, as well as patient and provider outcomes was reported in all 7 studies.
Conclusions. The available evidence suggests a growing interest in HBTC implementation in healthcare. Nevertheless, a number of uncertainties regarding training methods, assessment, and outcomes still exist. High-quality medical education research studies are needed to demonstrate the full effectiveness of HBTC training programs.
