Effects of emotional freedom technique on pain and anxiety in surgical patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

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• Picked for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (top studies of the week, 26 July 2026): Systematic review/meta‑analysis of EFT for surgical pain

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to systematically evaluate the effects of Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) on pain and anxiety among surgical patients. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and the Higher Education Council (YÖK) Thesis Center databases without date restrictions. Studies were screened based on predefined inclusion criteria. Study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment were independently performed by two reviewers. Methodological quality was appraised using Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools according to study design. Meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model with Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) software. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's Q test and the I² statistic. A narrative synthesis was also performed to complement the quantitative findings. RESULTS: Seven studies involving 682 patients were included, comprising randomized controlled trials (n = 4) and quasi-experimental studies (n = 3). EFT was associated with significant reductions in pain (SMD = -1.30, 95% CI: -2.59 to -0.01; p = 0.048; I2 = 95.0%) and anxiety (SMD = -1.93, 95% CI: -3.50 to -0.37; Z = -2.43; p = 0.015; I2 = 98.6%). CONCLUSION: EFT appears to be a promising complementary intervention for reducing pain and anxiety among surgical patients, supporting its potential integration into surgical care. However, due to the high heterogeneity and variability in study designs, further large-scale, rigorously designed randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings and to establish standardized intervention protocols.

Abstract as published, via PubMed.