Research

          Through the Research Division WCI cooperates with other organizations to design and implement research which demonstrates the efficacy of integrative medicine approaches. Our primary emphasis is on the medical applications of hypnosis.

          We are currently working on a research proposal for a pilot study using hypnosis for pain management with patients with lower back pain.

          WCI in conjunction with the Duke Cancer Patient Support Program has recently completed a pilot study examining the impact of self-hypnosis skills on the quality of life of patients with breast cancer. This program, titled the Healing Skills Project, was conducted jointly and funded by a grant from the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation (Triangle Affiliate). The intervention consisted of Dr. Forester-Miller teaching four one-and-a-half hour self-hypnosis classes to each group of women who registered for the classes. Additionally, she made a hypnosis tape with each woman. The tape was personalized with suggestions directed toward each woman’s issues and concerns, and current treatment regime.

          The women’s quality of life was measured pre- and post intervention using the FACT-B, an instrument designed to measure quality of life issues for breast cancer patients. After the intervention, significant changes were noted on 16 of the items. Overall the women found self-hypnosis to be very useful and that it contributed to an improved quality of life. Look for a full report and analysis of the data to be posted in the next couple of months.