Impact of Movies and Music on Anxiety and Pain in Same-Day Orthopaedic Surgery
Overview
This randomized controlled trial compared audio-visual distraction (AVD) using the HappyMed® system with audio distraction (AD) via headphones to reduce perioperative anxiety and pain in patients undergoing same-day lower limb orthopaedic surgery. Results demonstrated that both interventions effectively lowered anxiety and pain, with AVD showing a trend toward greater anxiety reduction due to its immersive nature.
Background
Perioperative anxiety is common and can exacerbate postoperative pain and delay recovery. While anxiolytic drugs are effective, their sedative side effects limit their use in same-day surgeries. Alternative non-pharmacological interventions such as audio distraction (music) and audio-visual distraction have shown promise in reducing anxiety and pain. However, direct comparisons of these modalities in adult ambulatory surgical settings have been lacking. This study investigates whether immersive AVD provides superior anxiolytic and analgesic benefits compared to AD in a clinical day-care setting.
Data Highlights
Outcome
Measurement Tool
Timing
Findings
Anxiety Levels
STAI-6 (ZBV)
15 min pre-op vs 15 min post-op
Both AVD and AD reduced anxiety; AVD showed greater reduction trend
Pain Perception
Patient-reported scales
Postoperative period
Both groups reported decreased pain; no significant difference between groups
Key Findings
Both audio-visual distraction (AVD) and audio distraction (AD) significantly reduced perioperative anxiety compared to baseline.
AVD using the HappyMed® system provided a more immersive experience by combining video and surround sound, potentially enhancing anxiety reduction.
Patients in the AD group listened to self-selected music via headphones, which also effectively lowered anxiety and pain.
No significant adverse events or interruptions of the interventions were reported, indicating feasibility and safety in the clinical day-care setting.
Use of non-pharmacological distraction techniques may reduce reliance on anxiolytic drugs, minimizing sedative side effects and facilitating same-day discharge.
Clinical Implications
Incorporating audio-visual or audio distraction techniques during same-day orthopaedic surgeries can effectively reduce patients’ perioperative anxiety and pain without the side effects associated with anxiolytic medications. The immersive nature of AVD may offer additional benefits, suggesting it as a valuable adjunct to standard care. Clinicians should consider these interventions to improve patient experience and potentially enhance recovery in ambulatory surgical settings.
Conclusion
This study supports the use of both audio-visual and audio distraction as effective, safe, and practical methods to reduce anxiety and pain in patients undergoing same-day orthopaedic surgery. The immersive AVD approach may provide superior anxiolytic effects, warranting further research and clinical adoption.
References
Amsterdam UMC et al. 2022 -- The Impact of Movies and Music on Reducing Anxiety and Pain During the Perioperative Period
by Hafize Demirci, Sebastiaan L. van der Storm, Nathalie J. Huizing, Morgianne Fräser, Sjoerd A. S. Stufkens, Rover Krips, Gino M. M. J. Kerkhoffs, Esther Z. Barsom, Marlies P. Schijven
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