Addressing Preoperative Anxiety Through Music Therapy: A Review of Efficacy, Challenges, and Clinical Applications

Abstract

Background: Preoperative anxiety is a prevalent issue among patients undergoing elective surgery, affecting 30-80% of patients leading to adverse outcomes such as increased pain perception, delayed recovery, and higher healthcare costs. Music therapy, a non-pharmacological intervention, has gained attention in alleviating anxiety by modulating neural activity, reducing stress hormones, and promoting relaxation. This review explores the role of music therapy in reducing preoperative anxiety, its effectiveness, and the challenges associated with its integration into clinical practice. Existing research highlights the psychological and physiological effects of preoperative anxiety, including impaired immune function, cardiovascular complications, and heightened postoperative pain. Studies have demonstrated that music therapy significantly reduces anxiety levels, lowers the need for sedatives, and improves patient satisfaction.  Method: A review of 45 studies, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs), observational studies, and meta-analyses, was conducted. Databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and PsycINFO were searched using keywords related to preoperative anxiety, music therapy, and surgical outcomes. Inclusion criteria focused on adult patients undergoing elective surgery, while exclusion criteria eliminated pediatric studies and non-surgical interventions. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed using standardized tools.   Results: Music therapy was found to be highly effective in reducing preoperative anxiety, with studies reporting significant decreases in anxiety levels and physiological stress markers. Patients who received music therapy required fewer sedatives and reported higher satisfaction rates.  Discussion: The findings highlight the potential of music therapy as a cost-effective, patient-centered intervention for managing preoperative anxiety. Its integration into surgical settings can improve patient experiences, reduce anxiety-related complications, and optimize surgical outcomes.  Conclusion: Music therapy offers a promising approach to alleviating preoperative anxiety and enhancing surgical outcomes. By addressing implementation challenges and fostering collaboration, healthcare systems can integrate music therapy into preoperative care, ultimately improving patient well-being and reducing healthcare costs.