Music played before, during, and after surgery can aid in postsurgical outcomes across a wide range of indicators, provided it does not interfere with surgical care, according to a study published online August 13, 2015, in The Lancet. The authors reviewed 73 randomized controlled trials that included a total of approximately 7,000 patients and found an association between playing music, particularly before surgery, and reduced postoperative pain, anxiety, and analgesia use, along with an increase in patient satisfaction. Overall lengths of stay were not reduced. The authors note that the choice of music made "little difference" to the outcomes of the studies, and that music was effective even when played only for patients who were under a general anesthetic. Patient choice in music did not have a significant effect on pain or pain medication use, although both decreased slightly when patients could choose their own music. None of the studies included in the meta-analysis investigated whether music had an effect on infections, wound healing, or costs of care.

HRC Recommends: Many studies have examined the effect of music on surgical patients' pain and other postoperative experiences, and this meta-analysis finds a consistent benefit to music being played. However, the authors' caution about music's interference with surgical team performance is important. As noted in the May 15, 2013, HRC Alerts, there is some evidence that background noise, especially music, can be detrimental; that study found "substantially poorer auditory performance when music was playing when compared with quiet or background noise only." The current study noted that preoperative and postoperative music can also positively influence outcomes, suggesting that providers may be able to take advantage of this relatively low-cost intervention in ways that do not compromise patient safety.