Effect of Music Therapy on Pain and Anxiety Levels in Women Undergoing Office Hysteroscopy

Authors: R. Zangmo, A Sarkar, S Ramu, K M Katti

Background: Pain experienced during office hysteroscopy : most common reason for failure of the procedure. Music interventions are used for anxiety reduction in a variety of settings because of the positive effects of listening to music.

Methods:

Prospective two-arm randomized controlled trial assessing the role of music therapy in reduction of pain and anxiety in patients undergoing routine office hysteroscopy in gynecological procedures. 

Patients were randomized into

Vital parameters recorded 15 minutes before procedure and during hysteroscopic negotiation of the internal os. 

Anxiety assessed using the Visual Facial Anxiety Scale. 

Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) with a 5-point Likert assessment used to measure doctor and patient satisfaction, and peri-operative pain perception by patients.

 

Results: baseline data was comparable between two groups. 

Diagnostic hysteroscopy associated with increase in heart rate, systolic and diastolic BP, the difference being statistically higher in the control arm (without music therapy).

Both post-hysteroscopy anxiety scores and increase in anxiety levels  higher in the control group and was statistically significant. 

Patient and surgeon satisfaction were significantly higher in the intervention arm compared to the control arm.

Conclusion: Background music therapy during diagnostic hysteroscopy is an inexpensive good tool to reduce pain and anxiety in intra and post-operative period. It has a tremendous benefit in improving doctor and patient satisfaction by reducing the overall stress during surgery.