New Study: Playing Music During Surgery Yields Fantastic Results!

Sharon Moore November 22, 2012

Pain and anxiety are common outcomes of surgery. However, they can negatively impact the patient’s quality of life. In a new study review by the University of Kentucky, researchers found that music therapy can benefit patients before, during and after surgical procedures, particularly when it comes to managing pain and anxiety.

The review examined the effects of music therapy in the medical and physical progress of patients who have undergone a surgical operation. The researchers found that it does have a positive effect on the preoperative, intra-operative and postoperative stages. Patients who had the therapy were less anxious and recovered more quickly. They also required less sedative medication and reported a better satisfaction rate with their medical experience.

Music proves its medical use

It has long been believed that music can be an effective tool in managing pain and anxiety. "Here at UK, our music therapists regularly use music-based interventions to help patients manage both pain and anxiety.” said Lori Gooding, the review lead author and the director of music therapy at the University of Kentucky. She and her team began providing music therapy to patients in the Kentucky Children’s Hospital, UK Good Samaritan Behavioural Health, and UK Chandler Hospital since 2010. They have also launched two pilot programs – one for pain management and one for patient distress.

In her review, Gooding explains that music-based interventions can be effective tools in reducing pain, anxiety perception, and sedative intake. She said the music chosen by a trained personnel is much more recommended because there are specific guidelines that must be followed in order to maximise the positive effects that may be experienced by the patient. For instance, it is necessary that the tempo, rhythm and volume of the music played are carefully controlled. Although the patient can pick which music he or she would like to hear, Gooding suggests that the patient be given a selection of songs or playlist, and be allowed to choose which music best suits their taste.

When various music genres were compared, it was the slow, calm, gentle music that was shown to produce the most effects in the patient, such as deep relaxation and pain reduction.

Gooding said their goal is to reduce the pain and anxiety experienced by patients during surgical procedures and improve their satisfaction in this somehow debilitating experience. Moreover, their review suggests that music therapy can also cut the cost and length of stay of patients in the intensive care units.

Dear Reader,

Do you think this type of therapy could be used elsewhere? Would you consider listening to music during an operation?

Share your comments below!

Source of this article:

Using Music Interventions in Perioperative Care