One of the most common images in series and movies about doctors and hospitals is that of the surgeon who plays music in the operating room. In fact, this may be one of the few real things that this type of fiction shows. However, now it is not only healthcare professionals who choose the playlist that will play during an intervention. At least, that’s how it is at the Gregorio Marañón hospital in Madrid, which allows patients to choose songs that they will hear during the process.
These types of situations can make the patient afraid and they can be quite nervous. In the hospital they have seen that music It is a “calming element”especially with those who arrive to the operating room stressed, indicates Silvia Orozco, operating room nurse at the medical center.
Once the patient is on the operating table, and before starting the procedure, one of the nurses asks him what he wants to hear. Once the patient communicates their preferences, a “quick” search is done on YouTube and the music they have chosen is played.
The songs they play can cover the noise of the conversations between professionals or the one generated by the engines of the instruments in traumatology interventions, he adds. They have also observed the benefits of this conversation prior to the intervention to find out their musical tastes. “It is a way to establish a therapeutic relationship so that they calm down.”
The health company explains that this is a service that It has been offered for two years to those who are going to undergo an operation in which general anesthesia is not used. That is, the patient is awake during the procedure. These are outpatient interventions, such as an arm fracture, knee arthroscopy or the removal of a skin tumor, among others.
The nurse makes it completely clear that the songs They do not interfere at all in the process carried out in the operating room. The patient cannot hear the noise made by the instruments, but nurses and doctors can perfectly hear the beeps emitted by machines such as those that monitor the heart or blood pressure. “It doesn’t bypass any safety standards.”
In addition to music, in the operating room they also have screens on which they can put images or videos that help patients relax. Normally, they usually use photographs of beaches and other landscapes, Orozco details. In this, the person involved can also communicate their preferences to see what they like the most. In this way, the environment can seem less aggressive, he points out.
Although this service is mostly offered to people who are awake during surgery, it can also be enjoyed by some patients with general anesthesia. In this case, they choose the music they want to listen to before sedation and, once asleep, the medical team can continue with their own preferences. This practice has already been carried out with cancer patients: “They sleep in a more comfortable environment”.
Orozco’s team has also used this practice with people with autism or Alzheimer’s. With these patients Yes, complete sedation is usually usedexplains the health worker. In some cases mechanical restraint may be necessary to do so due to their reaction due to stress or fear. In these cases it is used before they fall asleep and later, when they are about to wake up. “They are played the same song to reduce confusion,” details the nurse.
The nurse and her colleagues began putting this method into practice when the hospital opened its new surgical center. I couldn’t do it without the technology they have. Its operating rooms have ceiling mounted speakers and big screens. Although music has always been used in surgery, these systems make it “easier,” he acknowledges.
Very varied tastes
The musical tastes that can be seen in the operating room are so varied that Orozco does not know how to talk about patterns. “It depends a lot on the age range”he highlights. While younger people tend to ask for “more current” music, older people tend to opt for styles such as copla, zarzuela or classical music. Of course, there is never a lack of surprises: “Grandmas have come and asked us to play rock for them,” he says. Another patient even asked them to play a gospel music group.
Since the interventions are short, about half an hour, The musical variety in a day can be surprising. To illustrate this, the health company recounts the development of last Monday afternoon. His team performed 15 operations and included artists as diverse as José Luis Perales, Joaquín Rodrigo and Manuel Carrasco. “We had performances of all kinds,” he says.
Although they sometimes have to listen to music that they may not like, the nurse recognizes the benefit it has on the patients. “It’s done for them.” Orozco explains that, in general, those who can enjoy this service they end up quite satisfied. In fact, the health company affirms that it is something that is reflected in the hospital’s satisfaction surveys. “They value it very positively.”
**How has the use of patient-selected music in the operating room impacted patient recovery times and overall satisfaction with their surgical experience?**
## World Today News Exclusive: Music in the Operating Room – An Interview
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World Today News. Today, we’re exploring the innovative approach to patient care being implemented at the Gregorio Marañón hospital in Madrid. We’ll be speaking with Silvia Orozco, a nurse in the operating room, and Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a specialist in anesthesiology, about their experience with allowing patients to choose their own music during surgery.
**Section 1: The Power of Music**
* **Silvia, you mentioned music is being used as a “calming element” for patients. Could you elaborate on how you’ve observed music impacting patients’ emotional state before and during procedures?**
* **Dr. Rodriguez, from a medical perspective, how does incorporating music potentially affect patient outcomes, beyond simply reducing anxiety? Could it have a physiological impact?**
**Section 2: Accessibility and Practical Considerations**
* **Silvia, the article mentions this service is primarily offered for procedures performed without general anesthesia. What led to this decision, and are there future plans to expand music options for patients under general anesthesia?**
* **What are some of the logistical considerations in implementing this program? How do you ensure the music selection doesn’t interfere with the crucial monitoring and communication within the operating room?**
**Section 3: Patient Preferences and Diversity:**
* **Silvia, the article highlights the diverse musical tastes of patients. Have you noticed any interesting trends or unusual requests? Has this experience challenged any preconceived notions you had about music preferences across different demographics?**
* **Dr. Rodriguez, how do you ensure that the music choice respects cultural and individual preferences while remaining mindful of potential sensitivities within the medical team?**
**Section 4: Beyond Music: Multi-Sensory Experiences**
* **Silvia, in addition to music, you mentioned using images and videos for relaxation. Can you describe how these elements work in tandem with music to create a more soothing environment?
* **Looking forward, are there any other sensory experiences you are considering incorporating into the operating room to further enhance patient comfort?**
**Conclusion:**
* **Both Silvia and Dr. Rodriguez, what message would you like to convey to other healthcare professionals and institutions considering implementing similar programs in their own facilities?**
* **What have been the most rewarding aspects of offering this personalized approach to patient care? How has it impacted your own experience as healthcare providers?**
Thank you both for sharing your insights with us today.
This interview provides a comprehensive look at the Gregorio Marañón hospital’s innovative approach to patient care and opens up a dialog about the potential role of music and other sensory experiences in healthcare settings.
