Listening to music before, during or after an operation can help reduce pain and anxiety, a study has claimed.
Researchers from the Brunel University and Queen Mary’s University discovered a link between music played in the operating theatre and a reduction in postoperative pain, postoperative anxiety and the need for pain relief medication.
They collated results of 72 randomised trials involving nearly 7,000 surgical patients who either listened to music or received standard care, massage or relaxation.
Dr Catherine Meads from Brunel University said: ‘Currently music is not used routinely during surgery to help patients in their postoperative recovery.
‘The lack of uptake is often down to the scepticism of professionals as to whether it genuinely works, and of course issues of budget and the integration into daily practice. We hope this study will now shift misperceptions and highlight the positive impact music can have.’
Choice of music, timing and duration varied but and evidence showed these factors made little difference to the outcome. Music was effective even when patients were under general anaesthetic.
Researchers now hope to get advice on how patients should prepare for surgery into hospitals so they know to take listening devices and to use them before, during and after a procedure.
Researchers from the Brunel University and Queen Mary’s University discovered a link between music played in the operating theatre and a reduction in postoperative pain, postoperative anxiety and the need for pain relief medication.
They collated results of 72 randomised trials involving nearly 7,000 surgical patients who either listened to music or received standard care, massage or relaxation.
Dr Catherine Meads from Brunel University said: ‘Currently music is not used routinely during surgery to help patients in their postoperative recovery.
‘The lack of uptake is often down to the scepticism of professionals as to whether it genuinely works, and of course issues of budget and the integration into daily practice. We hope this study will now shift misperceptions and highlight the positive impact music can have.’
Choice of music, timing and duration varied but and evidence showed these factors made little difference to the outcome. Music was effective even when patients were under general anaesthetic.
Researchers now hope to get advice on how patients should prepare for surgery into hospitals so they know to take listening devices and to use them before, during and after a procedure.
