The Cost-Effectiveness of Hypnosis and Sedation

I have written many articles about studies that have been performed using hypnosis. Most studies focus on the success of the hypnosis and how it helped participants in a different way compared to more traditional approaches and treatments. Many studies mention that hypnosis is more cost effective in comparison to alternative methods, but details are not always discussed in the study.

In the journal Radiology, an article was published in 2002 about a study that focused on the cost-effectiveness of hypnosis and sedation. Harvard Medical School performed this cost analysis study in 1999. The purpose of the study was to compare the cost of sedation used during an outpatient procedure with that of the cost of sedation plus the use of hypnosis.

The study consisted of 161 participants either undergoing vascular or renal procedures. The participants were randomly put into two groups. One group consisted of 79 participants who received standard sedation. The other group of 82 participants underwent hypnosis in addition to the use of sedation. Researchers developed a cost analysis using the following four variables:

1. Cost of the hypnotherapy

2. Cost of the room during the procedure

3. Amount of time used to observe the patient after the procedure

4. Cost of complications due to over-sedation or under-sedation

Results of the cost analysis showed that sedation with the use of hypnosis cost less than half the amount of sedation alone. The average cost of sedation during the procedure was $638 whereas the cost for sedation with hypnosis was $300.

The study showed that using hypnosis reduced the amount of time spent in the room during the procedure. The study showed that it was still feasible and cost-effective to use hypnosis with sedation even if it took 58.2 minutes longer during the procedure. Another reason why it was more cost-effective to use sedation with hypnosis is because the price of hypnosis is less expensive than the price of anesthesia.

Major cost-benefits were realized due to this study. With the rising cost of healthcare, it is good for consumers that there are more cost-effective alternatives.