Procedure
The study consisted of two groups that were subsequently studied: a SC group and a TC group. The SC group was studied in January and February 2020, and the TC group in September and October 2020. For the SC group, blood sampling procedures were performed according to standardized protocol and baseline data were obtained. After having included 51 patients, all personnel was trained in patient-centered TC. The training consisted of an eight-hours classroom session in which theoretical lectures about the scientific background were interchanged with practical demonstrations, exercises, and role-playing. Medical personnel was trained in how to establish quick empathic contact by matching nonverbal and verbal behavior, avoidance of negative verbal suggestions, the use of hypnotic language and expression of positive expectations (Supplementary Table Flowchart of the study