Receptive music therapy: An effective means to enhance well-being in patients undergoing cesarean section and hysterectomy and their operating team

Background: Cesarean section and hysterectomy are important life-changing gynecologic surgeries which can potentially influence physical and psychological well-being. There is a need to address the psychological aspects of care through nonpharmacological measures. Multilevel and multidimensional effects of music therapy have been shown to have potential benefits in many clinical conditions in this regard. Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore the effects of receptive music therapy on perioperative anxiety and hemodynamic profile in patients undergoing hysterectomy and cesarean section and to analyze perceptions and experiences of surgical team involved in their care. Materials and Methods: A total of 141 patients undergoing elective cesarean section/hysterectomy were enrolled. Physiological and psychological parameters such as pulse, respiratory rate, blood pressure, pain, fatigue, overall psychological well-being measured peri-operatively were compared between intervention group (n = 65) and control group (n = 76). Subjective well-being was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale for perioperative anxiety, postoperative fatigue was assessed using a 5-grade Linear Analog Scale, overall well-being was assessed using a 5-grade Linear Analog Scale. Experiences and perceptions of health-care team operating upon these patients about deliverance and effects of receptive music were recorded with the help of semi-quantitative questionnaire. Results: There was a statistically significant reduction in perioperative anxiety in patients receiving music therapy (P 0.05). Health-care professionals reported positive influence of listening to music during the surgery in form of reduction of their stress and increase in comfort. Conclusion: Receptive music therapy reduces perioperative anxiety in patients undergoing hysterectomy and cesarean section and has de-stressing and refreshing effects on operating team.