The experiences of patients having music during surgery

Abstract

Locally, the concept of having music in surgery as a means of reducing patient anxiety has not been researched. However, the concept of having music during orthopaedic theatre sessions for the enjoyment of the staff seems to be very much alive. The aim of this descriptive, non experimental study was to explore the experience of patients having music during surgery under regional anaesthesia. Studies have long documented the variety of harmful effects of anxiety on both psychological and physiological responses to surgery (Rogers 1995; Bartle 1982; Bogetz & Katz 1984; Breckenridge & Aitkenhead 1983; Hackett & Cassem 1984; Janis 1958; Terrell et al. 1969). Surgery can contribute to everything from heightened emotional stress and tension, to increased pain, nausea and vomiting, in addition to, changes of blood pressure, myocardial oxygen consumption, lethal cardiac dysrhythrnias and reductions in peripheral and renal perfusion, (Guzzetta 1989). In brief, anxiety interferes both indirectly and directly with responses to and recovery from surgery. Data collection was done via face-to-face 30-45 minute interviews with eleven questions approved by the ethics board. Questions were based on the literature review to fulfil the aim of this study. A sample of ten patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery under regional anaesthesia were selected by means of convenience sampling; the first ten patients who fulfilled the criteria for the study and accepted to participate were recruited. These patients were recruited from three orthopaedic wards; those who were admitted for elective surgery were approached on the day before the surgery, and those admitted for emergency surgery were approached on the morning of the surgery. Data analysis identified various themes and sub-themes which brought out the feelings and experiences of patients who had just undergone surgery under regional anaesthesia whilst listening to their chosen selection of music. Findings revealed that all participants responded that they had found music to be an effective intervention to reduce their surgically related anxiety and planned to use it in future as a means of alleviating anxiety. Therefore in light of these findings, the author feels that further research into the area of music therapy ought to be instigated for a better understanding on the subject.