Benefits of music on theatre staff in a paediatric theatre setting: a staff survey

Background Music has a long-standing place in the operating theatre. Nonetheless, limited studies have investigated the role of music during Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) surgical procedures. Aims To evaluate the benefits of background music on ENT theatre staff. Methods A 10-question survey was distributed to ENT theatre staff over a four week period. Results A total of 36 ENT theatre staff responded to the survey, a response rate of 86%. Most participants (61%) enjoyed the calming effect of background music in ENT surgery. The majority of participants responded that music did not affect their communication with other staff (69%), and improved their concentration (61%). Most respondents agreed that music can produce a sense of comfort for the patients (69%), and reduce anxiety before anaesthesia (75%). Conclusions Background music can have a calming effect on staff in paediatric elective ENT surgery. This is a decision to be made by the surgical team with direct patient care and, if there is any concern about communication and distraction, then it is to be avoided.