Classical Music May Decrease Need for Patient Sedation in Operating Room

Researchers at San Francisco General Hospital recently published a study that found patients on mechanical ventilation required lower doses of sedatives when they listened to classical music, according to an Anesthesiology News report.

The researchers conducted the pilot study in five patients undergoing ventilation in the ICU after general surgery or trauma. The researchers recorded patient vital signs and the level of sedation and analgesia the patients received for an hour. Each patient then listened to classical music for two hours, while the researchers gradually reduced the dose of sedation.

By the end of the two-hour period, the patients needed approximately 33 percent less sedation than they had prior to the classical music. According to the report, the effect of the music treatment persisted for at least an hour after the experiment ended.

Read the Anesthesiology News report on patient sedation.

Related Articles on Anesthesia:
Anesthesia & Analgesia Reports Increase in Impact Factor
Study: Negative Effects of Propofol Scheduling Are Exaggerated
Dr. Mark J. Lema Receives ASA's Highest Award for Service and Achievement

© Copyright ASC COMMUNICATIONS 2012. Interested in LINKING to or REPRINTING this content? View our policies by clicking here.