The sounds of music in the operating room

Background: Little information is available about the effect of music on the operating room (OR) staff. Purpose: The objective of this study was to evaluate the perception of the influence of music on physicians and nurses working in the OR. Methods: A questionnaire was designed and 250 copies were distributed to the doctors and nurses working in the OR at three hospitals. One hundred and seventy-one returned the completed questionnaire and were included in this study. Results: 63% of the participants listen to music on a regular basis in the OR. Classical music is the most requested (58%) and most of the responders do not choose the type of music according to the type of the procedure. In our study, the nurses were more likely to listen to music and the willingness is higher among the female responders. The desired volume is lower as age increases and 78.9% of the participants claimed that music in the OR makes them calmer and more efficient. Conclusion: According to our study, music has a positive effect on the staff working in the operating rooms.