Melody in Medicine: Can Music Elevate Each Stage of Surgery?

Abstract

Listening to music during surgery is a widespread phe-nomenon in healthcare institutions globally. Music can have both positive and negative impacts on the stressful and challenging surgical process. Scientific studies by Kahloul et al. (2017), Zybartaite and Gedrime (2021), and Ahmad (2017) confirm that music is an effective and eco-nomical tool to reduce stress. According to Boghadady and Kvist (2020), playing classical music at a moderate volume can enhance the speed and accuracy of surgical tasks. However, it’s important to acknowledge that music may hinder communication and concentration (Naraya-nan & Gray 2018; Weldon et al. 2015; Shambo, Umad-hay & Pedoto 2015), and contribute to time inefficiencies arising from the selection of music types (Sarla 2022). This qualitative study, conducted through semi-structu­red interviews, aimed to analyze how music influences te-amwork during the perioperative stages. The study an­tici-pates contributing to patient safety, work efficiency, team satisfaction, and cost reduction in the healthcare system Results and conclusions: All participants had a positive view of listening to music during surgery, with prefe-rences varying across perioperative stages. Anest­hesio-logists and operating room nurses often choose the type of music, while sometimes no specific team member is assigned to this role. Steady rhythm genres don’t dis-rupt communication and can alleviate emotional tension. High-rhythm genres may increase tension and fatigue, disrupting concentration. Fast-paced genres can improve mood, and different genres don’t necessarily affect surgi-cal duration. Slow-tempo genres may reduce emotional fatigue. High music volume can impair communication and concentration. An ideal music source in operating theaters should be compact, easily disinfected, and sim-ple to control.