Music Therapy and Post-Operative Pain

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to investigate music as an adjunct therapy to pain management in the post-operative setting. More specifically, the study was intended to explore the impact of self-selected music on individual pain level as well as patient satisfaction during the recovery period. Methods: Participants in this study underwent elective outpatient surgery. Subjects were selected using a convenience sampling technique. Participants listened to pre-recorded music of their choice on a personal music device in the post-operative period. Data was gathered using the Numerical Rating Scale for pain (0-10), a post-intervention discharge survey, and a demographical questionnaire. Results: A p value of 0.001 demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in patient’s pain levels after listening to music. In addition, 50% of the patients expressed satisfaction with overall pain control and 59% felt that listening to music was extremely effective in decreasing their pain. Of the 12 eligible participants in the study, 11 said they would recommend music as an adjunct therapy. Discussion: The results of the study showed that music can indeed be beneficial in the post-operative period for the reduction of patient pain. Furthermore, music can enhance patient satisfaction. Conclusions: The incorporation of music into the post-operative recovery area is a viable option. Music can be considered as an adjunctive therapy to traditional nursing care.