Music interventions in patients during coronary angiographic procedures: a randomized controlled study of the effect on patients' anxiety and well-being

Abstract

Background: A cardiac catheterization laboratory can be a frightening environment and music can be a supportive source of environmental sound that stimulates and maintains relaxation.

Aim: To test the effects of patient focused music versus loudspeaker music versus standard sound on patient's experiences of anxiety and well-being during coronary angiographic procedures.

Methods: A prospective, randomized, controlled trial of 98 subjects undergoing elective coronary angiogram and/or percutaneous coronary intervention. The subjects were randomly allocated to three different groups of sound environments: a control group (the usual sound environment), a patient focused music group (audio pillow) or to a loudspeaker music group.

Results: Anxiety decreased significantly and well-being increased significantly in the two music groups compared to the control group. There was a significantly more positive impression of the sound environment in the patient focused music group compared to the two other groups.

Conclusion: This study showed that the use of a specially designed music reduced anxiety and increased well-being in patients during coronary angiographic procedures. However, patient focused music seemed to be more preferable. The sound environment was rated more positively by the subjects listening to music via audio pillow. The music delivered via loudspeakers seemed to distract the staff during the examination at the cardiac catheterization laboratory.