Music in theatres.

Abstract

The benefits of music as a therapeutic medium have been well documented (Biley 1992). As the patient’s advocate, the theatre nurse needs to structure the environment so it is more therapeutic for the patient (Kaempt & Amodei 1989). However for music to be successful it needs to be used appropriately within the operating department. The findings from a literature review were utilised in the development of a protocol for the use of music in the operating department (see figure 1). Although the literature supports music having a therapeutic influence for patients, it is not clear what effect it has on the theatre team. Consequently a descriptive study was undertaken to examine the views of staff in relation to music in the operating department.