Effect of Various OR Noise on Fine Motor Skills, Cognition, and Mood

Abstract

Background. The amalgam of noises inherent to the modern-day operating room has the potential of diluting surgeon concentration, which could affect surgeon performance and mood and have implications on quality of care and surgeon resilience. Objective. Evaluate the impact of operating room environmental noises on surgeon performance including fine motor dexterity, cognition, and mood. Methods. 37 subjects were tested under three different environmental noise conditions including silence, a prerecorded soundtrack of a loud bustling operating room, and with background music of their choosing. We used the Motor Performance Series to test motor dexterity, neuropsychological tests to evaluate cognitive thinking, and Profile of Mood States to test mental well-being. Results. Our results showed that typical operating room noise had no impact on motor dexterity but music improved the speed and precision of movements and information processing skills. Neurocognitive testing showed a significant decrement from operating room noise on verbal learning and delayed memory, whereas music improved complex attention and mental flexibility. The Profile of Mood States found that music resulted in a significant decrease in feelings of anger, confusion, fatigue, and tension along with decreased total mood disturbance, which is a measure of psychological distress. Loud operating room noise had a negative impact on feelings of vigor but no increase in total mood disturbance. Conclusion. Our results suggest that loud and unnecessary environmental noises can be distracting to a surgeon, so every effort should be taken to minimize these. Music of the surgeons’ choosing does not negatively affect fine motor dexterity or cognition and has an overall positive impact on mood and can therefore be safely practiced if desired.

The Effects of 24-Hour Neurosurgical Call on Fine Motor Dexterity, Cognition, and Mood

“…The methods for this study were adapted from a previous study assessing the effects of OR noise on motor skills, cognition, and mood [21]. We utilized the MLS Motor Performance Series of the Vienna Test Series by Schuhfried to assess fine motor dexterity.…”

Impact of Acoustic and Interactive Disruptive Factors during Robot-Assisted Surgery—A Virtual Surgical Training Model

“…Generally, acoustic disruption is divided into case-foreign conversation or loud machinery on the one hand and music on the other. Noise is known to distract surgeons [ 7 , 9 , 10 ], whereas music can be distractive but also supportive [ 8 , 12 ]. We used a mixture of both in the form of electronic music, abnormal electrocardiographic sounds, and an interview.…”

“…Individual disruptive factors are known to have different impacts. Acoustic and interactive disruptions were reported to have adverse effects on the performance of surgeons [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ]. Although the negative effect of cognitive distraction on surgical outcome is well known and has been proven in numerous studies, diverse data have been reported for acoustic disruptions in the operating room [ 5 , 6 , 11 ].…”

Distractions in the OR Can Compromise Patient Care

“…10 Music can be another source of distraction in the OR; playing music during procedures is a controversial topic. 12,13 Although music may help some HCWs relax, some researchers believe that it is an unnecessary distraction that impairs communication, impedes concentration, and increases stress. 1 Available data are inconclusive; music-generating equipment may be a beneficial addition to the environment if used appropriately (eg, low volume levels, subdued genres).…”

“…1 Available data are inconclusive; music-generating equipment may be a beneficial addition to the environment if used appropriately (eg, low volume levels, subdued genres). 13 Other noise-producing equipment in the health care setting include personal electronic devices (PEDs), phones, intercoms, and virtual assistants. When health care professionals use advanced technology, such as voice-controlled virtual assistants, to assist with tasks to reduce the demands of making phone calls, setting timers, providing reminders, or locating and playing requested music, they may experience additional distractions and noise.…”