A recent study published in the International Journal of Surgery suggests that having surgeons listen to classical music during an operation makes them work faster and more accurately. The research comes from 18 international studies and nine articles, totaling more than 200 participants.
As it turns out, playing music in operating rooms does help not only the surgeons but also aids the patients themselves. The effects of playing instrumental music include giving a sense of calm, making the procedures more seamless. But how else does blasting instrumental music benefit the surgeons performing surgeries?
1. Triggers the Mozart Effect
The Mozart Effect, named after the legendary composer, is the phenomenon of how listening to classical music can improve your cognitive functions, including memory and concentration. Although it is a controversial finding, it still stands that listening to classical music can improve your performance.
Researchers think that the effect is due to the steadier rhythms of classical music, compared to other genres, like rock music, which have more erratic rhythms. In particular, they believe that the more regular rhythms of classical music trigger the faster and more accurate perception and processing of visual information.
2. Improves Communication Among Doctors
The International Journal of Surgery study also found that playing classical music keeps the surgeons more relaxed and focused during surgeries. The researchers believe this is due to the music directly triggering the brain’s reward center, keeping them from becoming stressed or frustrated.
In addition, the steadier rhythms of classical music get the surgeons to communicate more effectively. They move as one cohesive unit, which means less inattention or disagreement during procedures.
3. Improves Surgical Performances
The study shows that surgeons who listen to instrumental music have reduced the time it takes them to perform their tasks and lowered their errors during surgery. This study supports that playing instrumental music aids the surgeons in completing their duties in a shorter time and a more accurate manner.
The study also shows that playing instrumental music can help reduce the anxiety of the surgeons. While this might be a small benefit given that it takes away some focus from the task at hand, it also reduces the stress of the patient, which allows them to relax as well.
4. Essential in Awake Brain Surgery
Listening to instrumental music is also crucial in performing awake brain surgeries. The study found that playing music with a steady rhythm can improve the surgeons’ performances in awake brain surgeries. As a result, music helps them stay alert and protect the patients from unexpected jolts.
When patients get injected with anesthesia during surgeries, they take risks for their health—because of this, performing awake brain surgeries are vital to ensure the patient’s well-being. In addition, it helps to reduce the risk of infection or other complications that may arise from being put under anesthesia.
5. Keeps the Surgeon Alert and Focused
The timing of instrumental music is essential to the overall effects on the patient and the surgeon performing the task. The study also found that playing instrumental music during surgeries can keep the surgeons alert and focused.
Conclusion
Playing musical instruments during surgeries can be beneficial all around the operating point. It helps reduce the anxiety of the surgeons, the patients, and the patients’ families. It also helps to keep the surgeons focused and alert even during lengthy surgical procedures. If you plan to get surgery soon, talk to your surgeon about how instrumental music can improve the surgical experience.
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