The study that proves the pain and anxiety reducing powers of music could pave the way for use of music before and after surgeries
Music is therapeutic.
According to an analysis published in the BJS (British Journal of Surgery), music can reduce anxiety and pain of invasive surgery, particularly in adult patients. It did not matter what kind of music was played or whether the patients were male or female, senior citizens or otherwise.
Worldwide, an estimated 266–360 million surgical procedures are undertaken annually according to the WHO
The analysis included the results of 92 trials with a total of 7385 patients. Music was found to significantly decrease anxiety and pain. The control group did not exhibit such reductions. The analysis took into account results of trials since 1980.
Worldwide, an estimated 266–360 million surgical procedures are undertaken annually according to the WHO. Surgical patients often suffer from preoperative anxiety and postoperative pain. Recent data suggest that 75 per cent of patients facing surgery are anxious, despite anxiety‐decreasing measures.
The study found that there was no significant association between the effect of music interventions and age, sex, choice and timing of music, and type of anaesthesia.
“This result makes it now possible to create guidelines for the implementation of music interventions around surgical procedures,” said lead author Dr. Rosalie Kühlmann, of Erasmus MC-Sophia Children’s Hospital, in The Netherlands.
