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Posted on Sep 30, 2002, 5 a.m.
By Bill Freeman
A study carried out by researchers at Harvard University has revealed that hypnosis could help to reduce the cost of some surgical procedures by as much as 50%. The study of 241 patients undergoing a variety of medical procedures, which included angioplasty, revealed that patients who were hypnotized reported significantly less pain during the procedure compared to the others who received standard medical care, which included self-medicated pain relief.
A study carried out by researchers at Harvard University has revealed that hypnosis could help to reduce the cost of some surgical procedures by as much as 50%. The study of 241 patients undergoing a variety of medical procedures, which included angioplasty, revealed that patients who were hypnotized reported significantly less pain during the procedure compared to the others who received standard medical care, which included self-medicated pain relief. Furthermore, hypnotized patients used 50% less pain-relieving drugs and doctors were able to complete the procedures in a significantly shorter amount of time. According to the author of the study Dr. Elvira V. Lang, the average cost of a procedure using standard medical care is $638, whereas the cost for a procedure using hypnosis would be less than half of that at just $300.
SOURCE/REFERENCE: Reported by www.reutershealth.com on the 28th August 2001
