“I Want Too Hold Your Hand” by Corinne Viens. Abstract:  Dermatologists perform many minor surgical procedures on patients who are often anxious and/or needle-phobic.  The simple act of holding a patient’s hand during the injection of local anesthetic has a calming and therapeutic effect.  This essay is the personal experiences of a professional hand holder and her reflections on this service to the patient. Keywords: minor surgery, surgery, anxiety, needle phobia, hand holding, comfort, dermatology In the dermatology office where I have worked for nearly twenty years, I often hold the hands of patients while the doctor administers the local anesthesia prior to their procedures or, if they are exceptionally … Continue reading →