Patients’ Evaluation of Intervention by a Medical Clown Visit or by Viewing a Humorous Film Following In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer

Abstract

This study compared responses to an in-person clown visit and a humorous film following in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. Intervention was a 10-minute clown visit (n = 101) or 10-minute humorous video clip (n = 99). Demographic and fertility-related data and preintervention anxiety scores were collected. Participants completed an Evaluation of Intervention form postintervention. There were no group differences on demographic or fertility-related data or anxiety scores. Findings indicate while participants viewed the intervention positively, the clown visit offered a higher degree of satisfaction in more patients than did the film. Median evaluation scores were significantly higher for the clown visit, specifically reducing anxiety level and being more distracting. Both groups reported that the exposure made the clinic experience more pleasant and did not bother them, and most would recommend incorporating the intervention in routine treatment. However, free-text comments clearly expressed greater enthusiasm to the in-person clown intervention than to the film.

More Than Just an Entertainment Show: Identification of Medical Clowns’ Communication Skills and Therapeutic Goals

“…Medical clowns (MCs), also called hospital clowns or clown doctors, are trained professionals who aim to change the perception of the hospital environment by creating humoristic situations to elicit laughter and joy in children’s wards as well as with adults and older adults ( Dionigi et al, 2014 ; Dionigi & Goldberg, 2019 ; Friedler et al., 2017 ; Koller & Gryski, 2008 ; Lalantika & Yuvaraj, 2020 ; Linge, 2008 ; Ofir et al, 2016 ; Weaver et al, 2007 ). In many cases, patients, families, and staff value MCs ( Dionigi & Canestrari, 2016 ; Higueras et al, 2006 ; Schwebke & Gryski, 2003 ; Warren & Spitzer, 2013 ), especially for improving patients’ physical and mental well-being through creating an alternative atmosphere ( Dionigi et al, 2014 ; Friedler et al, 2017 ; Lopes-Júnior et al, 2020 ; Nuttman-Shwartz et al, 2010 ; Weaver et al, 2007 ). Medical clowns entertain patients during recovery ( Dionigi & Canestrari, 2016 ; Koller & Gryski, 2008 ; Ofir et al, 2016 ), and reduce anxiety, distress, and pain during acute care and invasive examinations ( Finlay et al, 2014 ; Friedler et al, 2017 ; Kristensen et al., 2018 ).…”

“…In many cases, patients, families, and staff value MCs ( Dionigi & Canestrari, 2016 ; Higueras et al, 2006 ; Schwebke & Gryski, 2003 ; Warren & Spitzer, 2013 ), especially for improving patients’ physical and mental well-being through creating an alternative atmosphere ( Dionigi et al, 2014 ; Friedler et al, 2017 ; Lopes-Júnior et al, 2020 ; Nuttman-Shwartz et al, 2010 ; Weaver et al, 2007 ). Medical clowns entertain patients during recovery ( Dionigi & Canestrari, 2016 ; Koller & Gryski, 2008 ; Ofir et al, 2016 ), and reduce anxiety, distress, and pain during acute care and invasive examinations ( Finlay et al, 2014 ; Friedler et al, 2017 ; Kristensen et al., 2018 ). Furthermore, MCs assist in coping with chronic and terminal illness by improving quality of life and decreasing fear ( Nuttman-Shwartz et al, 2010 ; Warren & Spitzer, 2011 ).…”

Laughter and humour for personal development: A systematic scoping review of the evidence

“…week intervention [84]. Quality of life, and cognitive function improved in cancer patients (n = 56), and pain reduced in a randomized control trial using laughter therapy [86]; with similar effects reported in research using 12 sessions of laughter therapy in nursing residents over four week intervention [87].…”

“…A systematic review found the use of humour in palliative interventions to be beneficial (k = 13, n = 759) [39]. Clown interventions reduced stress and anxiety in hospitalised children and their parents [35] (k = 18, n = 1,444), and in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (n = 295) [84]. The use of humour as a coping mechanism is often highlighted: it was found to be effective with positive humour, but not with negative humour [149].…”

The Effect of Therapeutic Clown Intervention on Mental Health of Children: Systematic Review

“…Bir çalışmada, yaşlı demans hastalarına bu müdahale 10 haftalık periyod halinde uygulanmış ve çalışma sonucunda sosyal etkileşimde iyileşme görülmüştür (28) . Diğer bir çalışmada ise, kısırlık tedavisi ve embriyo transferi yapılacak kişilere uygulanmış, anksiyete düzeyini daha aza indirgemesi ve bunun sonucunda tedavi sürecine olumlu katkısı olması nedeniyle müdahale hakkında pozitif görüş bildirmişlerdir (29) .…”