Abstract

The purpose of this quantitative study is to evaluate the perceptions of patients and

surgical personnel regarding the effect of music played pre-operatively and intra-operatively,

as well as music’s ability to reduce stress and anxiety, elevate mood, and increase surgical

efficiency in the operating room. A study was conducted using two written surveys, one

distributed to various operating room personnel, and one distributed to patients who had

recently undergone surgery, regarding the use of music pre-operatively and intra-operatively.

The operating room personnel survey consisted of 24 questions focused on their preferences

for use of music, type of music, its effect on both performance and communication among

personnel in the operating room and benefits to patients. The patient survey consisted of 40

questions focused on their personal pre and intra operative musical experiences and their

beliefs regarding the use of music in the operating room. 34 surveys were returned, of these, 22

were from operating room personnel and 12 were from patients.

The surveys revealed that operating room personnel support music being played in the

operating room and see the potential benefits of music for patients, but believe music to be

distracting when a complication arises. They also revealed that patients believe music can

relieve anxiety and are in favor of headphones being provided to patients to listen to music.

The results align with existing studies in that both patients and surgical staff support the

beneficial aspects to music, but are concerned about increasing sound levels in an already loud

operating room, which can distract the surgical team, especially when a complication arises. If

these concerns about the use of music are acknowledged and addressed, the use of music in the

surgical process could help relieve patient anxiety, increase patient and surgical staff

satisfaction, and possibly reduce recovery time as well as expenses.