Conclusion
anxiety, pain
Handing out a brochure and supporting the patient during the diagnostic procedure by a physician trained in empathic communication could be associated with lower perceived pain during the biopsy and reducing post-procedural anxiety. In addition, the intervention could positively affect patient’s sense of being well informed about the procedure. Moreover, the communication training appears to increase the physicians’ empathic communications skills. We conclude that a brochure providing standardized information about the breast biopsy procedure is helpful, and is now handed out to all our patients requiring a breast biopsy.