Preoperative AnxietyEFTNCT07454044
Nurse-Led Emotional Freedom Technique for Preoperative Anxiety and Fear in Thyroid Surgery
A study testing Emotional Freedom Technique in people with Preoperative Anxiety and Fear and Anxiety, run by Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is a non-invasive, low-cost complementary intervention that has been used in various clinical settings to reduce anxiety and psychological distress. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Preoperative Anxiety, Fear and Anxiety, Thyroid Surgery
- What is being tested?
- Emotional Freedom Technique
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 70 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 9 Feb 2026to Jul 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Patients scheduled for thyroid surgery
- Aged 18 years and older
- Able to speak and understand Turkish
- Literate (able to read and write)
- No visual, hearing, or mental impairment
- Able to communicate effectively
- Preoperative anxiety and fear level of 3 or higher according to the Subjective Units of Distress (SUD) scale
Who cannot join
- Presence of a neurological disorder
- Diagnosed psychiatric disorder and current use of medication for this condition
- Previous training related to coping with anxiety or fear
- Previous participation in an energy therapy course
- Presence of infection, wound, or scar at the tapping (touch) sites
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Yeditepe University Koşuyolu Hospital
Istanbul
Kamile Yaren Behlevan, +905372468285, yaren.behlevan@gmail.com
Selda Rızalar
About this study
Official title: The Effect of Emotional Freedom Techniques on Preoperative Anxiety and Fear in Patients Undergoing Thyroid Surgery
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is a non-invasive, low-cost complementary intervention that has been used in various clinical settings to reduce anxiety and psychological distress. Although previous studies have suggested the potential benefits of EFT in general anxiety and postoperative psychological outcomes, evidence regarding its effectiveness in patients undergoing thyroid surgery is limited. Thyroid surgery is associated with unique sources of preoperative anxiety and fear due to potential complications related to voice, swallowing, and hormonal balance.
This randomized controlled study aims to evaluate the effect of Emotional Freedom Technique on preoperative anxiety and fear in patients undergoing thyroid surgery. Eligible patients will be randomly assigned to an intervention group receiving EFT in addition to standard preoperative nursing care or to a control group receiving standard preoperative nursing care alone. EFT will be administered by trained nurses following a standardized protocol during the preoperative period. Anxiety and fear levels will be assessed using validated measurement tools before and after the intervention. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to evidence-based nursing practices and to support the integration of complementary interventions into perioperative nursing care.
Read the detailed description
This study is designed as a randomized controlled trial with a pretest-posttest control group design. The study will be conducted in the surgical clinic of Yeditepe University Koşuyolu Hospital among patients scheduled for thyroid surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group.
The intervention group will receive Emotional Freedom Technique in addition to routine preoperative nursing care, while the control group will receive routine preoperative nursing care only. Emotional Freedom Technique will be administered by trained nurses in a quiet and comfortable environment during the preoperative period. Preoperative anxiety and fear levels will be assessed before and after the intervention using validated measurement tools. The study aims to evaluate the effect of Emotional Freedom Technique on preoperative anxiety and fear within the scope of perioperative nursing care.
- Conditions
- Preoperative Anxiety, Fear and Anxiety, Thyroid Surgery
- Being tested
- Emotional Freedom Technique
- Medical subject headings
- Anxiety Disorders
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Emotional Freedom TechniqueBehavioural
Emotional Freedom Technique will be administered by trained nurses during the preoperative period according to a standardized protocol.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Intervention Group | Experimental | Participants in this group will receive Emotional Freedom Technique in addition to routine preoperative nursing care. Receives: Behavioral: Emotional Freedom Technique |
| Control Group | No intervention | Participants in this group will receive routine preoperative nursing care only. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in Surgical Anxiety Scale for Adult Patients Total Score (Range: 0-68)
Total score measured using the Surgical Anxiety Scale for Adult Patients. Scores range from 0 to 68, with higher scores indicating greater anxiety.
Measured: From baseline (pre-intervention) to immediately after the intervention (approximately 30 minutes later, preoperatively).
Secondary outcomes (2)
Change in Surgical Fear Questionnaire (SFQ) Total Score (Range: 0-80)
Total score measured using the Surgical Fear Questionnaire (SFQ). The scale consists of 8 items rated on an 11-point Likert scale (0-10), with total scores ranging from 0 to 80. Higher scores indicate greater surgical fear.
Measured: From baseline (pre-intervention, preoperative period) to immediately after the intervention (approximately 30 minutes later, preoperatively).
Change in Subjective Units of Distress (SUD) Score (Range: 0-10)
Measured using the Subjective Units of Distress Scale (SUDS). Scores range from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating greater emotional distress.
Measured: Immediately before and immediately after the EFT session (approximately 25-30 minutes).
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted6 Mar 2026
- Study start9 Feb 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completionJun 2026 (estimated)
- Study completionJul 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Preoperative AnxietyStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Saglik Bilimleri UniversitesiThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 70 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Selda Rızalar, Principal investigator, Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07454044
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 25-10
- Acronym
- EFT
- Status last verified
- Jan 2026
- First submitted
- 16 Feb 2026
- Last updated
- 6 Mar 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: This study is conducted as a single-center thesis research. To protect participant confidentiality and in accordance with ethics committee approval, individual participant data will not be shared with other researchers.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 6 Mar 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Effect of Emotional Freedom Techniques on Preoperative Anxiety and Fear in Patients Undergoing Thyroid Surgery
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07454044
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- EFT / 25-10
- Conditions
- Preoperative Anxiety, Fear and Anxiety, Thyroid Surgery
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 70 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Saglik Bilimleri UniversitesiUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 9 Feb 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- Jun 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Jul 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 6 Mar 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is a non-invasive, low-cost complementary intervention that has been used in various clinical settings to reduce anxiety and psychological distress. Although previous studies have suggested the potential benefits of EFT in general anxiety and postoperative psychological outcomes, evidence regarding its effectiveness in patients undergoing thyroid surgery is limited. Thyroid surgery is associated with unique sources of preoperative anxiety and fear due to potential complications related to voice, swallowing, and hormonal balance.
This randomized controlled study aims to evaluate the effect of Emotional Freedom Technique on preoperative anxiety and fear in patients undergoing thyroid surgery. Eligible patients will be randomly assigned to an intervention group receiving EFT in addition to standard preoperative nursing care or to a control group receiving standard preoperative nursing care alone. EFT will be administered by trained nurses following a standardized protocol during the preoperative period. Anxiety and fear levels will be assessed using validated measurement tools before and after the intervention. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to evidence-based nursing practices and to support the integration of complementary interventions into perioperative nursing care.
Detailed description
This study is designed as a randomized controlled trial with a pretest-posttest control group design. The study will be conducted in the surgical clinic of Yeditepe University Koşuyolu Hospital among patients scheduled for thyroid surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group.
The intervention group will receive Emotional Freedom Technique in addition to routine preoperative nursing care, while the control group will receive routine preoperative nursing care only. Emotional Freedom Technique will be administered by trained nurses in a quiet and comfortable environment during the preoperative period. Preoperative anxiety and fear levels will be assessed before and after the intervention using validated measurement tools. The study aims to evaluate the effect of Emotional Freedom Technique on preoperative anxiety and fear within the scope of perioperative nursing care.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Intervention Group | Experimental | Behavioral: Emotional Freedom TechniqueParticipants in this group will receive Emotional Freedom Technique in addition to routine preoperative nursing care. |
| Control Group | No intervention | –Participants in this group will receive routine preoperative nursing care only. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Patients scheduled for thyroid surgery
- Aged 18 years and older
- Able to speak and understand Turkish
- Literate (able to read and write)
- No visual, hearing, or mental impairment
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Presence of a neurological disorder
- Diagnosed psychiatric disorder and current use of medication for this condition
- Previous training related to coping with anxiety or fear
- Previous participation in an energy therapy course
- Presence of infection, wound, or scar at the tapping (touch) sites
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Emotional Freedom TechniqueEmotional Freedom Technique will be administered by trained nurses during the preoperative period according to a standardized protocol. | Behavioural | Intervention Group |
Primary outcome
Change in Surgical Anxiety Scale for Adult Patients Total Score (Range: 0-68)
Time frame: From baseline (pre-intervention) to immediately after the intervention (approximately 30 minutes later, preoperatively).
Total score measured using the Surgical Anxiety Scale for Adult Patients. Scores range from 0 to 68, with higher scores indicating greater anxiety.
2 secondary outcomes
Change in Surgical Fear Questionnaire (SFQ) Total Score (Range: 0-80)
Time frame: From baseline (pre-intervention, preoperative period) to immediately after the intervention (approximately 30 minutes later, preoperatively).
Change in Subjective Units of Distress (SUD) Score (Range: 0-10)
Time frame: Immediately before and immediately after the EFT session (approximately 25-30 minutes).
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 6 Mar 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. This study is conducted as a single-center thesis research. To protect participant confidentiality and in accordance with ethics committee approval, individual participant data will not be shared with other researchers.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Selda Rızalar principal investigator
Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Emotional Freedom Technique in people with Preoperative Anxiety and Fear and Anxiety, run by Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 7 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 6 Mar 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Kamile Yaren Behlevan (+905372468285, yaren.behlevan@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in Surgical Anxiety Scale for Adult Patients Total Score (Range: 0-68) (time frame: From baseline (pre-intervention) to immediately after the intervention (approximately 30 minutes later, preoperatively).). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 6 Mar 2026.