Objective: To assess the effectiveness of video information in reducing the level of anxiety in women attending Colposcopy clinics.
Design: An observational study followed by a randomised trial.
Setting: Colposcopy Clinic, Royal Free Hospital, London.
Participants: Between April and December 1999, all new referrals to the clinic with a cervical smear showing moderate or severe dyskaryosis.
Main outcome measure: The level of anxiety measured by the Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory.
Conclusion: Women attending colposcopy clinics for either diagnosis or treatment, experience a high level of anxiety. The highest levels occur in women attending a one-stop see and treat clinic. The introduction of visual information in the form of an explanatory video prior to attendance significantly reduced anxiety.