How Music Reduces Anxiety and Amount of Sedatives Used in Patients During Surgery

Abstract

Aim: This literature review provides an overview of published data with regards to the inclusion of music in surgery, and its effects on: (i) The dosage of anaesthesia or sedation and (ii) Stress and anxiety levels. Methods: An electronic search in various databases was accomplished to identify related articles. Research evidences provided were assessed based on the “hierarchy of evidence” reflecting the authority of various types of medical research i.e., the relative strengths on the main types of research and medical studies. Results: 14 relevant citations touched on how the use of music during surgery resulted in the decreased dosage of anaesthesia used. A majority of the studies have concluded, based on a large scale of randomized controlled trials, that music did in fact have great positive responses from patients by greatly reducing stress/anxiety levels and also reducing the dosage required for anaesthesia during surgery. Conclusion: Music is a non-pharmacological alternative and potent intervention in surgical procedures; showing conclusive evidence in reducing the dosages of sedation and anxiety levels in patients.