Patient experience project - patient-selected music during fractional ablative carbon dioxide laser treatment.

Abstract

Introduction: There are established benefits of patient-selected music during conventional skin surgery, but a lack of evidence for laser procedures. Aims of this study were to assess whether patient-selected music during fractional ablative laser procedures enhances the patient experience, reduces perception of pain and anxiety, and impacts whether the patient would recommend the treatment to others and choose the treatment again.

Methods: Patients were 18 or over, receiving ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser treatment for any cause. Patients were offered to select the music played during their treatment and then asked to fill in a feedback questionnaire post treatment.

Results: A significant majority of 83.3% reported that the music enhanced their experience compared to previous treatments or compared to what they expected (25/30, p < .001). Music also significantly improved the likelihood that patients would recommend the treatment to others (n = 14, p < .05).

Conclusion: Music significantly enhances the experience of patients undergoing ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing and increases the likelihood they will recommend the treatment to others. This appears to be independent of any perceived change in levels of pain or anxiety.