Implementation of Music to Reduce Preoperative Anxiety in Gynecologic Patients

Abstract

Problem & Purpose: Anxiety is defined as a feeling of nervousness, fear, and high autonomic activity. An estimated 60% to 92% of patients undergoing surgery experience significant preoperative anxiety related to fear of death, mistakes from providers, and disability. Evidence suggests that preoperative anxiety is associated with patient dissatisfaction and negative outcomes such as higher levels of opioid requirement. The anesthesia providers anecdotally estimated preoperative anxiety among adult patients undergoing hysteroscopic gynecologic (GYN) procedures at the practice site at 70%. The purpose of this Quality Improvement (QI) project was to implement music in the preoperative unit to reduce anxiety in adult patients undergoing hysteroscopic GYN procedures. Methods: This QI project was implemented over 14-weeks from September through December 2021 following the Human Research Protection Office (HRPO) and the facility Institution Review Board (IRB) approval. Approximately 45 Medical Doctors of Anesthesiology (MDAs) and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesiologists (CRNAs) were included in the project and educated on the project goal and implementation process. Patients who met the inclusion criteria were provided music by the anesthesia providers in the preoperative unit using music players and disposable headsets. Data was collected on providers’ compliance using student developed data collection tool. Weekly run chart analysis was used to track progress. Results: There was an overall increase in the number of providers who offered music. Compliance ranged from 0% to 55%. On average, 26% of the providers offered music in the 14-weeks. Conclusion: It was feasible for the anesthesia providers to offer music in the preoperative unit to reduce anxiety.