The Perception and Attitude Toward Noise and Music in the Operating Room: A Systematic Review

Noise in the operating room coincides with surgical difficulty

BACKGROUND

Noise in the operating room has been shown to distract the surgical team and to be associated with postoperative complications. It is, however, unclear whether complications after noisy operations are the result of objective or subjective surgical difficulty or the consequence of distraction of the operating room team by noise.

METHODS

Noise level measurements were prospectively performed during operations in four Swiss hospitals. Objective difficulty for each operation was calculated based on surgical magnitude as suggested by the Physiological and Operative Severity Score for the enUmeration of Mortality and Morbidity (POSSUM), duration of operation and surgical approach. Subjective difficulty and distraction were evaluated by a questionnaire filled out by the operating room team members. Complications were assessed 30 days after surgery. Using regression analyses, the relationship between objective and subjective difficulty, distraction, intraoperative noise and postoperative complications was tested.

RESULTS

Postoperative complications occurred after 121 (38%) of the 294 procedures included. Noise levels were significantly higher in operations that were objectively and subjectively more difficult (59.89 versus 58.35 dB(A), P < 0.001) and operations that resulted in postoperative complications (59.05 versus 58.77 dB(A), P = 0.004). Multivariable regression analyses revealed that subjective difficulty as reported by all members of the surgical team, but not distraction, was highly associated with noise and complications. Only objective surgical difficulty independently predicted noise and postoperative complications.

CONCLUSION

Noise in the operating room is a surrogate of surgical difficulty and thereby predicts postoperative complications.

Leading Through Noise: Operating Room Noise Challenges for Staff and Leadership Techniques to Ensure Optimal Operational Performance

Noise and distractions in the operating room (OR) critically impact surgical performance and patient outcomes, particularly in high-stakes environments such as trauma surgery. While historical hospital environments prioritized quiet to facilitate recovery and reduce stress, contemporary ORs, especially those handling trauma cases, face increasing noise challenges due to advanced surgical instruments, alarms, and staff conversations, often surpassing federal exposure limits. This review investigates OR noise sources, including staff activities and equipment, analyzing their effects on cognitive load, communication, and error rates among healthcare workers. It identifies high-risk scenarios and vulnerable groups, highlighting the necessity for targeted interventions. Key strategies include implementing strict noise control policies, using noise-reducing materials in OR design, and educating staff on noise impacts. Additionally, structured communication protocols and continuous monitoring systems are advocated to enhance operational efficiency and safety. Surgeon leadership is pivotal in balancing assertiveness and empathy to maintain a productive team dynamic. Furthermore, surgeons significantly boost OR efficiency and safety by adopting these protocols, promoting inclusive team dynamics, and applying noise-reduction strategies. These practices safeguard patient care and foster a more collaborative work atmosphere, aligning all team efforts toward optimal patient outcomes. This holistic approach emphasizes the need for continuous improvement and adaptability in surgical practices to meet modern healthcare demands, particularly in trauma surgery's fast-paced, unpredictable realm. Collectively, these measures can enhance patient safety and improve conditions for surgical teams, providing a framework for quieter, more focused OR environments that ultimately elevate surgical outcomes and healthcare quality.

Music in medical education: A critical interpretive synthesis

INTRODUCTION

While many have championed the value of music in medical education, research specific to how and why music has been offered in medical education is sparse and there have been few attempts to synthesise the literature.

METHODS

A Critical Interpretive Synthesis (CIS) of 56 texts including published articles, correspondence, abstracts and one thesis published between 1977 and 2022 was undertaken to explore the evidence basis for offering music in medical education.

RESULTS

A total of 52 music-focused programmes/activities were described, encompassing both curricular and extra-curricular, receptive and participatory music activities and a wide range of musical genres. Inductive analysis of data extracted from texts revealed a variety of rationales for the use of music in medical education, which could be grouped within seven interrelated themes: well-being; supportive learning environment; affective engagement; teaching and learning; developing skills for clinical practice; humanism in medicine; and creative expression (identity).

DISCUSSION

The results of this synthesis demonstrate that there remains a gap between what is claimed about the affordances of music and what has been explicitly addressed in medical education research. Despite a paucity of research in this area, the available data support that the affordances of music are 'multiple' and may not be well represented by linear models. Evidence that engagement with music is beneficial for medical students is strongest in relation to the affordances of music for well-being, facilitating a supportive learning environment, affective engagement, memorisation and creative expression (identity). That engagement with music might enhance humanism, including developing skills for clinical practice, requires further investigation. Accounting for student agency and the 'multiple' affordances of music will ensure that future teaching and research are best positioned to benefit medical students' well-being and personal and professional development.

Can Music Reduce Stress and Anxiety in the Operating Room Team? Insights from a Cross-Sectional Study in Northern Italy Healthcare Services

BACKGROUND

Music evokes positive emotions and reduces stress and anxiety. Operating room (OR) staff face various challenges which can lead to high levels of stress. The aim of the study is to assess whether listening to music during intraoperative phases improves the work environment by reducing anxiety and stress in the entire surgical team.

METHODS

A prospective observational study was conducted from February to September 2023, involving medical personnel, nursing staff, and nursing students. They were divided into two groups: Group 1 with music during surgical procedures, and Group 2 without music. Participants were administered two validated instruments: the Zung Anxiety Self-Assessment Scale (SAS) to measure anxiety, and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule to assess emotions generating stress. Additional items were included for demographics, job satisfaction, and the organization method.

RESULTS

Music did not impact anxiety, but increased positive emotions while reducing negative ones. Music had an ancillary effect, highlighting the need for significant organizational interventions aimed at increasing operator satisfaction, including offering voluntary instead of mandatory assignments to nursing staff.

CONCLUSIONS

Music appears to reduce stress in the intraoperative team when supported by a positive work environment in which assigned operators have chosen to work in the OR.

Noise Reduction Nursing in a Noisy Ward Environment Effectively Improves the Mental and Physical Health of Patients Who Underwent Intracranial Aneurysm Embolization: A Retrospective Study

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the impact of noise reduction nursing in ward on patients who underwent intracranial aneurysm embolization.

METHODS

Between April 2020 and March 2021, Funan County People's Hospital implemented standard nursing care for patients who underwent intracranial aneurysm embolization, comprising 55 patients admitted during this period, constituting the control group. Subsequently, from April 2021 to March 2022, the hospital introduced noise reduction nursing measures in wards. A total of 65 patients admitted during this period were included in the study group. Data on noise levels, emotional states, and sleep statuses were collected from both groups. The comprehensive impact of noise reduction nursing on the mental and physical health of patients who underwent intracranial aneurysm embolization was evaluated.

RESULTS

Before propensity score matching (PSM), significant differences were observed in age and intracranial aneurysm diameter between the two groups (P < 0.05). However, following PSM, a total of 102 patients were included in the analysis, and no significant differences in baseline data were observed between the two groups (P > 0.05). The noise level in the study group's ward was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05). In addition, post-management, the study group exhibited lower Self-rating Anxiety Scale scores and total scores of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index compared with the control group. Moreover, the Glasgow Coma Scale score was higher in the study group, demonstrating statistical significance (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The implementation of noise reduction nursing in wards effectively controls ward noise levels and improves negative mood and sleep quality among patients who underwent intracranial aneurysm embolization. These findings indicate that noise reduction nursing facilitates postoperative rehabilitation and enhances patient outcomes.

Intraoperative Music to Promote Patient Outcome (IMPROMPTU): A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

INTRODUCTION

Perioperative music can have beneficial effects on postoperative pain, anxiety, opioid requirement, and the physiological stress response to surgery. The aim was to assess the effects of intraoperative music during general anesthesia in patients undergoing surgery for esophagogastric cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The IMPROMPTU study was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized multicenter trial. Adult patients undergoing surgery for stage II-III esophagogastric cancer were eligible. Exclusion criteria were a hearing impairment, insufficient Dutch language knowledge, corticosteroids use, or objection to hearing unknown music. Patients wore active noise-cancelling headphones intraoperatively with preselected instrumental classical music (intervention) or no music (control). Computerized randomization with centralized allocation, stratified according to surgical procedure using variable block sizes, was employed. Primary endpoint was postoperative pain on the first postoperative day. Secondary endpoints were postoperative pain during the first postoperative week, postoperative opioid requirement, intraoperative medication requirement, the stress response to surgery, postoperative complication rate, length of stay, and mortality, with follow-up lasting 30 d.

RESULTS

From November 2018 to September 2020, 145 patients were assessed and 83 randomized. Seventy patients (music n = 31, control n = 39) were analyzed. Median age was 70 [IQR 63-70], and 48 patients (69%) were male. Music did not reduce postoperative pain (numeric rating scale 1.8 (SD0.94) versus 2.0 (1.0), mean difference -0.28 [95% CI -0.76-0.19], P = 0.236). No statistically significant differences were seen in medication requirement, stress response, complication rate, or length of stay.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraoperative, preselected, classical music during esophagogastric cancer surgery did not significantly improve postoperative outcome and recovery when compared to no music using noise-cancelling headphones.

Effect of Wearing Noise-Canceling Headphones on Delivery Process in Natural Childbirth Puerperae: A Single-Center Study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of incorporating noise-canceling headphones into the delivery process for natural childbirth puerperae.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of clinical data encompassing natural childbirth puerperae in the People's Hospital of Suzhou New District from January 2021 to February 2023. The implementation of routine noise reduction management was done from January 2021 to January 2022. During this interval, 69 natural childbirth puerperae were selected as subjects, with 7 excluded, resulting in 62 participants constituting the reference group. Subsequently, noise-canceling headphones were distributed to natural childbirth puerperae from February 2022 to February 2023. In this phase, 66 subjects were selected, and 6 were excluded, resulting in 60 participants forming the observation group. Following admission, both groups underwent corresponding nursing management. Emotional states, pain levels, and various indicators were systematically collected and meticulously compared.

RESULTS

The observation group exhibited significantly lower Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale scores than the reference group before delivery and during the first stage of labor (P < 0.05). The observation group demonstrated significantly lower visual analog scale scores and substance P, nitric oxide, and prostaglandin E2 levels than the reference group during the first stage of labor (P < 0.001). During the second stage of labor, the visual analog) scale scores were significantly lower in the observation group than in the reference group (P < 0.05). The durations of first and second labor stages were significantly shorter in the observation group than in the reference group (P < 0.05). No significant difference existed in Apgar scores between the two groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The utilization of noise-canceling headphones emerges as an effective intervention, alleviating anxiety, reducing pain during T1, and abbreviating total labor time in natural childbirth puerperae, suggesting its substantial clinical application value and potential as a beneficial addition to maternity care practices.

Perception of the operation theater learning environment and related factors among anesthesia students in Ethiopian higher education teaching hospitals: a multicenter cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

Operation theater learning involves three key elements: clinical work, learning, and the environment. There is little evidence regarding the operating theatre learning environment for anesthesia trainees. Identifying the overall perception of the operation theater learning environment helps to establish an efficient operation theater learning environment and produce competent anesthesia professionals.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the perceptions of the operating theater learning environment and associated factors among undergraduate anesthesia students in Ethiopian higher education teaching hospitals from April to May 2023.

METHODS

A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted on 313 undergraduate anesthesia students who began operation room clinical practice at 13 higher education teaching hospitals. The data were entered into EpiData version 4.6. A generalized ordered logistic regression model was used to analyze and identify factors associated with the operating theater learning environment using STATA software version MP17.

RESULTS

The findings of this study revealed that 45.05%,26.52%), 23% and 5.43% of the participants reported having desirable, moderately desirable, very desirable and undesirable perceptions of the operating theater learning environment, respectively, from highest to lowest. Preoperative discussion (AOR = 4.98 CI = 1.3-18.8), lack of teaching facilities (AOR = 0.16 CI = 0.03-0.75), noise from played music (AOR = 0.22 CI = 0.07-0.63), absence of tutors (AOR = 0.03 CI = 0.01-0.22), respect for students (AOR = 3.44 CI = 1.6-7.2), roll modeling for students (AOR = 3.23 CI = 1.5-6.8) and strict supervision of students (AOR = 0.24 CI = 0.07-0.88) were significantly associated with perceptions of the operation theater learning environment, with 95% CIs.

CONCLUSION

No study participant agreed that the operation theater learning environment in operation theatres was very undesirable. A lack of teaching facilities at the OR, a lack of tutors from the OR, noise from played music in the OR, a tutor respecting their student, a tutor role model for their student, a preoperative discussion with a tutor and strict supervision of the student are strongly associated with the operation theatre learning environment.

The effect of music on the operating surgeon: a pilot randomized crossover trial (the MOSART study)

OBJECTIVE

The experience of stress is common among surgeons while working in the operating theatre (OT). Understanding and finding ways to mitigate this stress is important for optimizing surgical quality and maintaining clinician wellbeing. In this pilot study, we tested the feasibility and reported the outcomes of measuring the effect of background music on intra-operative surgeon stress in the clinical environment.

METHODS

The effect of Music on the Operating Surgeon: A pilot Randomized crossover Trial (the MOSART study) was conducted over a 9-month period in a single-centre. Vascular and general surgeons acting as primary operators (POs) performing elective, general anaesthetic operations were included. The intervention was surgeon-selected music, and the control was the absence of music. Outcome measures were feasibility (recruitment rate, practicability, and completeness of data), heart rate variability (HRV) indices, the Six-Item State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-6), and the Surgical Task-load Index (SURG-TLX).

RESULTS

Five POs performed 74 eligible randomized cases. The protocol was well tolerated, and no cases were abandoned. Data was incomplete in 8% of cases. The overall mean (SD) operative SURG-TLX score was 48 (±22). Mean HR increased and RMSSD decreased significantly from baseline, suggesting reduced parasympathetic activity while operating. The presence of intra-operative music was not found to affect the psychological or physiological outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

A music interventional study of this nature is feasible in the operating theatre environment, though no difference was found between in the music and non-music conditions. Follow-up research in a simulated environment with intensive physiological monitoring could be considered.

A Narrative Review on Intraoperative Adverse Events: Risks, Prevention, and Mitigation

INTRODUCTION

Adverse events from surgical interventions are common. They can occur at various stages of surgical care, and they carry a heavy burden on the different parties involved. While extensive research and efforts have been made to better understand the etiologies of postoperative complications, more research on intraoperative adverse events (iAEs) remains to be done.

METHODS

In this article, we reviewed the literature looking at iAEs to discuss their risk factors, their implications on surgical care, and the current efforts to mitigate and manage them.

RESULTS

Risk factors for iAEs are diverse and are dictated by patient-related risk factors, the nature and complexity of the procedures, the surgeon's experience, and the work environment of the operating room. The implications of iAEs vary according to their severity and include increased rates of 30-day postoperative morbidity and mortality, increased length of hospital stay and readmission, increased care cost, and a second victim emotional toll on the operating surgeon.

CONCLUSIONS

While transparent reporting of iAEs remains a challenge, many efforts are using new measures not only to report iAEs but also to provide better surveillance, prevention, and mitigation strategies to reduce their overall adverse impact.

Broad Responses and Attitudes to Having Music in Surgery (The BRAHMS Study): An Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand Perspective

Background

Surgery is a stressful exercise, and the experience of occupational stress may have impacts on surgical performance, and surgeon well-being. Music is played in operating theatres (OTs) throughout the world, and while it may improve surgical performance, and reduce clinician stress within the OT, concerns exist over its distracting and noise-creating properties.

Methods

In this prospective observational study, between May to August 2022, Vascular, General and Paediatric surgeons and registrars in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand (AoNZ) responded to a survey investigating the way they use music, and their perceptions and attitudes towards its effect on the OT environment. Binomial logistic regression and Chi squared tests of association were performed, accepting p < 0.05 as significant.

Results

In this cohort of 120 surgeons, 45 % were vascular specialists, 30 % were female and 59 % were consultant surgeons. The most commonly preferred music genres were easy listening and pop. Over 75 % of surgeons enjoyed having music in their OTs with the majority reporting it improved their temperament, how mentally fatiguing a procedure felt and how anxious or stressed they felt. Vascular surgeons were more likely to believe music had a positive influence on communication than their general and paediatric surgery colleagues (p < 0.01). Registrars had significantly higher odds of believing music had a positive effect on their temperament, and how stressed and anxious they felt when operating, when compared to consultants (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

This study provides a window into the surgeons' use of and attitudes towards intra-operative background music and its effect on stress and cognitive load in Australia and AoNZ. While overall, music is viewed positively by this cohort, there was some difference seen across specialties and level of experience. Further subjective and objective data in this field may provide useful information to guide hospital policy and inform pathways for clinician wellbeing.

Music in the Operating Room: Comparing the Opinions of Surgeons, Anesthesiologists, and Nurses

BACKGROUND

Music is part of operating room (OR) culture; however, some personnel may perceive music as a distraction.

METHODS

A single institution survey of surgeons (SURG), anesthesia (ANES), and nursing (NURS) regarding attitudes on music in the OR.

RESULTS

There were 222 responses (67% response rate) agreeing that music in the OR should be allowed (91%), is calming (75%), and helps with focus (63%). Most did not feel music was distracting (63%) or unsafe (80%). SURG were more likely to state that surgeons should decide (46.7%) if music should be played, whereas ANES and NURS (81%) were more likely to feel decisions should be made collaboratively (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Most OR personnel feel positively towards music. Surgeons were more likely to believe the decision to play music should be the surgeon's choice. The majority of OR staff agreed with collaborative decision-making, aligning with creating a safe OR culture.

Application of Noise Control Combined with Relaxation Training in Patients with Skin Laser Cosmetology: A Single-center Retrospective Study

Objective

Noise pollution has been listed as one of the three major types of pollution, along with air and water pollution. Hospitals should pay attention to noise control, which is of great importance for the treatment and rehabilitation of patients. This study focuses on the application value of noise control and relaxation training.

Methods

This study retrospectively collected and analyzed the clinical data of 184 patients who underwent skin laser cosmetology in Ningbo Yinzhou No. 2 Hospital from January 2021 to December 2022. Twelve patients who did not meet the criteria were excluded, and the remaining 172 patients were divided based on the type of intervention into the control group (CG, n = 82) and the study group (SG, n = 90). The CG received relaxation training and routine noise management, while the SG received noise control combined with relaxation training. The intervention effect was discussed from the aspects of noise, psychology, and satisfaction.

Results

After the intervention, the SG had overtly lower noise levels and lower scores of anxiety and depression compared to the CG (all P < 0.001). Correlation analysis showed that noise levels were positively correlated with scores of anxiety and depression (r = 0.553, r = 0.592, P < 0.001). The two groups had no significant difference in total satisfaction (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Noise poses a significant threat to the human body. Strengthening noise control in hospitals is beneficial for patients' recovery. Combining noise control with relaxation training is an intervention method worthy of clinical application. It can improve the hospitalization environment and reduce the noise levels to a great extent, thereby improving the psychological state of patients and enhancing the medical satisfaction.

Healthcare Professionals and Noise-Generating Tools: Challenging Assumptions about Hearing Loss Risk

Hearing loss is a significant global health concern, affecting billions of people and leading to various physical, mental, and social consequences. This paper focuses on the risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) among specific healthcare professionals, especially ear surgeons, orthopaedic surgeons, dentists, and dental hygienists, who frequently use noisy instruments in their professions. While studies on these professionals' noise exposure levels are limited, certain conditions and factors could pose a risk to their hearing. Measures such as engineering and administrative controls, regular audiometric testing, and the use of hearing protection devices are crucial in preventing NIHL. Early detection and intervention are also vital to mitigate further damage. This paper proposes the results of a modified screening protocol, including questionnaires, audiometry, and additional diagnostic tests to identify and address potential hearing disorders. Specific healthcare professionals should remain aware of the risks, prioritize hearing protection, and undergo regular monitoring to safeguard their long-term auditory well-being.

The relationship between exposure to noise and hearing loss in orthopaedics

Aims

In the UK, the agricultural, military, and construction sectors have stringent rules about the use of hearing protection due to the risk of noise-induced hearing loss. Orthopaedic staff may also be at risk due to the use of power tools. The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have clear standards as to what are deemed acceptable occupational levels of noise on A-weighted and C-weighted scales. The aims of this review were to assess the current evidence on the testing of exposure to noise in orthopaedic operating theatres to see if it exceeds these regulations.

Methods

A search of PubMed and EMBASE databases was conducted using PRISMA guidelines. The review was registered prospectively in PROSPERO. Studies which assessed the exposure to noise for orthopaedic staff in operating theatres were included. Data about the exposure to noise were extracted from these studies and compared with the A-weighted and C-weighted acceptable levels described in the HSE regulations.

Results

A total of 15 studies were deemed eligible. These included a total of 386 orthopaedic operations and the use of 64 orthopaedic instruments. A total of 294 operations (76%) and 45 instruments (70%) exceeded the regulations on an A-weighted scale, and 22% (10 of 46) of operations exceeded the maximum C-weighted peak acceptable level of noise. Noise-induced hearing loss was reported in 28 of 55 orthopaedic staff members (50.9%).

Conclusion

Safe levels of noise can be exceeded in orthopaedic operations, and when using orthopaedic instruments. Employers have clear policies about exposure to noise in the workplace but have yet to identify orthopaedic theatres as a potential at-risk area. Orthopaedic staff need education, monitoring, and protection, while employers should consider regular assessments of staff in orthopaedic theatres and offer methods to prevent noise-induced hearing loss.

Failed Attempt to Recommend Noise Cancelling Headphones for Knee Arthroplasty Surgeons-Results of a Pilot Study

Background and Objectives: Noise exposure during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been demonstrated to exceed thresholds that are deemed as over-exposure by industry noise level standards. With orthopedic surgeons being at risk of suffering from Noise Induced Hearing Loss, the purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the viability of the use of industry grade active noise cancelling headphones (ANCH) during TKA. Material and Methods: In this prospective pilot study, 10 TKA were performed. In five of these cases, surgeon, assistant, scrub nurse and anesthetist wore ANCH with automatic noise level dependent noise attenuation above 82 dB. A validated 14-item questionnaire was used after each case to evaluate the quality of communication, performance, teamwork and mental load. In seven cases a calibrated sound level meter was used to measure the operating theatre noise. Peak sound level (LApeak), A-weighted continuous sound level (LAeq) and A-weighted noise exposure averaged for an 8-h time-period (LEPd) were calculated. Results: There was no perceived benefit of ANCH for the surgeons (p = 0.648), assistants (p = 0.908) and scrub nurses (p = 0.251). There was an overall improvement observed by anesthetists (p = 0.001). A worse communication while wearing ANCH was reported by surgeons but not by the rest of the team. Average LApeak was 90.6 ± 3.2 dB(C), LAeq was 61.9 ± 1.0 dB(A) and LEPd was 53.2 ± 1.2 dB(A). Conclusions: Industry grade ANCH seem to provide no benefit for surgeons, assistants and scrub nurses during TKA, while anesthesiologists seem to benefit from the use of ANCH during TKA. Due to the limitations of this pilot study, further studies with larger study populations are necessary to adequately investigate the use of ANCH during TKA.

The Effect of Sound in the Dental Office: Practices and Recommendations for Quality Assurance-A Narrative Review

Sound is inextricably linked to the human senses and is therefore directly related to the general health of the individual. The aim of the present study is to collect data on the effect of two dimensions of sound, music, and noise from an emotional and functional point of view in the dental office and to perform a thorough review of the relevant literature. We collected articles from the databases PubMed and Google Scholar through keywords that were related to noise and music in healthcare. Important information was also extracted from articles on the web and official websites. Screening of the relevant literature was performed according to accuracy and reliability of the methodology tested. A total of 261 articles were associated to sound and music in healthcare. Ninety-six of them were the most well documented and were thus included in our article. Most of the articles associate noise with negative emotions and a negative impact on performance, while music is associated with positive emotions ranging from emotional state to therapeutic approaches. Few results were found regarding ways to reduce noise in a health facility. If there is a difficulty to find effective methods of reducing the daily noise-inducing sounds in the dental office, we must focus on ways to incorporate music into it as a means of relaxation and therapy.

The effect of background music on stress in the operating surgeon: scoping review

BACKGROUND

Despite the ubiquitous sounds of music playing in operating theatres (OTs) around the world, the effect that music has on intraoperative clinician stress is ill-defined. In the present scoping review the aim was to map the available evidence for the effect of background music in the OT on the experience of stress in the operating surgeon.

METHODS

The present review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA Protocols for Scoping Reviews. Using Embase, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane databases, peer-reviewed research studies reporting the effect of intraoperative background music on an outcome measure of clinician stress or respondent perceptions on this effect were included.

RESULTS

A total of 4342 studies were screened and 15 studies met the inclusion criteria, of which 10 were interventional studies, and five were observational survey-based studies. Of the 10 interventional studies, four showed reduced anxiety and mental workload scores with music, although only two demonstrated a significant improvement in a physiological outcome. The survey-based studies generally reported a positive perception among surgeons and theatre staff towards the effect of music on OT stress.

CONCLUSION

While there is generally a positive perception towards intraoperative music and surgeon stress, there are few objective physiological and psychological data to support this. Studies were varied in their design. The present review can be used to guide future experimental, observational, and mixed-method research on this topic.

A Bayesian network model to predict the role of hospital noise, annoyance, and sensitivity in quality of patient care

Background

Hospital noise can adversely impact nurses’ health, their cognitive function and emotion and in turn, influence the quality of patient care and patient safety. Thus, the aim of this study was to predict the contributing roles of exposure to hospital noise, staff noise-sensitivity and annoyance, on the quality of patient care.

Methods

This descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out among nurses in an Iranian hospital. To determine nurses’ noise exposure level, the noise was measured in 1510 locations across the hospital in accordance with ISO 9612 standards using KIMO DB 300/2 sound level meter and analyzer. An online survey was used to collect nurses’ individual data. Study questionnaires included demographics, Weinstein noise sensitivity scale, noise annoyance scale, and quality of patient care scale. Finally, to analyze the data, Bayesian Networks (BNs), as probabilistic and graphical models, were used.

Results

For the high noise exposure state, high noise sensitivity, and high annoyance, with the probability of 100%, the probability of delivering a desirable quality of patient care decreased by 21, 14, and 23%, respectively. Moreover, at the concurrently high noise exposure and high noise sensitivity with the probability of 100%, the desirable quality of patient care decreased by 26%. The Bayesian most influence value was related to the association of noise exposure and annoyance (0.636). Moreover, annoyance had the highest association with the physical aspect of quality of care (0.400) and sensitivity had the greatest association with the communication aspect (0.283).

Conclusion

Annoyance induced from environmental noise and personal sensitivity affected the quality of patient care adversely. Moreover, noise and sensitivity had a separate direct adverse effect upon the quality of patient care, and their co-occurrence reduced the potential for delivering quality patient care.

Effects of noise and music on situation awareness, anxiety, and the mental workload of nurses during operations

This study aims to explore the effects of noise and music types on nurses' anxiety, mental workload and situation awareness during an operation. Participants included 20 circulating nurses (CNs) and 16 nurse anesthetists (NAs) who completed a total of 70 operations in which each operation required one CN and one NA. The experiment was separated into a control group (operating noise only) vs. an experimental group (3 different music types-between subjects and 2 music volume levels-within-subjects). Results showed that all participants had excellent situation awareness performance despite their mental workload showing significant differences in various phases of the surgery. Music at 55-60 dB caused lower mental workloads and anxiousness for nurses than those exposed to levels of 75-80 dB. When Mozart's music was played, the participants' mental workload and situation anxiety were lower than when exposed to other music types. Music played at 60 dB during an operation may be a feasible solution to mitigate the negative effects of extra noise and thus improve the nurses' performance.

The impact of operating room noise levels on stress and work efficiency of the operating room team: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

There is no high-quality meta-analysis in the literature to determine the noise level in the operating room. Therefore, the aim of this study is to systematically review the available evidence in the literature to elucidate the impact of operating room noise levels on stress and work efficiency of the operating room team.

METHODS

Two individual researchers will conduct the platform searches on the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases from inception to June 1, 2022. The cohort studies assessing the impact of operating room noise levels on stress and work efficiency of the operating room team will be included. The outcomes include total workload level, stress scores, anxiety scores, operation time. We will collect data according to the guidelines in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. The Meta analysis will be performed using Review Manager version 5.3 provided by the Cochrane Collaboration. Risk bias analysis of the studies will be performed independently by two reviewers using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool.

RESULTS

The review will add to the existing literature by showing compelling evidence and improved guidance in clinic settings.

REGISTRATION NUMBER

10.17605/OSF.IO/7N8RY.

Effect of music on clinical outcome after hip fracture operations (MCHOPIN): study protocol of a multicentre randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Patients undergoing proximal femur fracture surgery are at high risk of postoperative complications, with postoperative delirium occurring in 25%-40% of patients. Delirium has profound effects on patient outcome and recovery, the patient's family, caregivers and medical costs. Perioperative music has a beneficial effect on eliciting modifiable risk factors of delirium. Therefore, the aim of this trial was to evaluate the effect of perioperative recorded music on postoperative delirium in patients with proximal femur fracture undergoing surgery.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The Music on Clinical Outcome after Hip Fracture Operations study is an investigator-initiated, multicentre, randomised controlled, open-label, clinical trial. Five hundred and eight patients with proximal femur fracture meeting eligibility criteria will be randomised to the music intervention or control group with concealed allocation in a 1:1 ratio, stratified by hospital site. The perioperative music intervention consists of preselected lists totalling 30 hours of music, allowing participants to choose their preferred music from these lists (classical, jazz and blues, pop and Dutch). The primary outcome measure is postoperative delirium rate. Secondary outcome measures include pain, anxiety, medication requirement, postoperative complications, hospital length of stay and 30-day mortality. A 90-day follow-up will be performed in order to assess nursing home length of stay, readmission rate and functional ability to perform daily living activities. Furthermore, the cost and cost-effectiveness of the music intervention will be assessed. Data will be analysed according to an intention-to-treat principle.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study protocol has been approved by the Medical Research Ethics Committee Erasmus MC on 8 October 2018 (MEC-2018-110, NL64721.078.18). The trial will be carried out following the Declaration of Helsinki principles, Good Clinical Practice guidelines and Dutch Medical Research Involving Human Subjects Act. Research data will be reported following Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials guidelines and study results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NTR7036.