Emerging evidence from an international body of research has reinforced the role of music therapy as a clinically relevant intervention for reducing anxiety in patients undergoing surgical procedures. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis has provided quantitative insight into its effectiveness, suggesting that music-based interventions may offer benefits comparable to pharmacological treatments commonly used in perioperative care.
Perioperative anxiety—experienced before, during or after surgery—is a well-documented concern in clinical practice. It has been associated with increased pain perception, prolonged recovery times and poorer overall patient outcomes (British Journal of Anaesthesia, 2020). Traditionally, this form of anxiety has been managed using medications such as benzodiazepines, which act on the central nervous system to induce a calming effect.
However, growing awareness of the potential adverse effects of these medications, including sedation, respiratory complications and the risk of dependency, has led researchers to explore non-pharmacological alternatives. In this context, music therapy has gained attention as a simple, non-invasive and low-risk intervention.
The recent analysis, which evaluated data from multiple randomised controlled trials, found that patients exposed to recorded music during the perioperative period experienced a meaningful reduction in anxiety levels. The effectiveness was assessed using validated psychological scales, commonly employed in clinical research to measure anxiety symptoms.
A key contribution of the study was the calculation of the “number needed to treat” (NNT), a statistical measure used in evidence-based medicine to determine how many patients must receive an intervention for one individual to benefit. The findings indicated that music therapy achieved a level of effectiveness comparable to that observed in certain pharmacological treatments, suggesting real-world clinical relevance.
From a physiological perspective, music is believed to influence the autonomic nervous system by reducing heart rate, lowering blood pressure and modulating stress hormone levels. Studies in neuroscience have also shown that music can activate brain regions associated with emotional regulation and relaxation (The Lancet Neurology, 2019).
Importantly, unlike sedative medications, music therapy does not present the same risk profile. It is not associated with pharmacological side effects and can be easily implemented without additional clinical burden. This makes it particularly appealing for use in vulnerable populations, such as older adults or patients with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
Healthcare systems in countries such as the United Kingdom have increasingly emphasised patient-centred care, where comfort, emotional wellbeing and safety are prioritised alongside clinical outcomes. Within this framework, the integration of music therapy into perioperative protocols aligns with broader efforts to humanise medical treatment and enhance the patient experience.
Despite these promising findings, researchers note that music therapy should be considered a complementary approach rather than a complete replacement for medical treatment in all cases. Individual patient needs, the type of procedure and clinical context must all be taken into account when designing care strategies.
The study underscores the growing importance of integrating evidence-based, non-pharmacological interventions into modern healthcare. As further research continues to explore its applications, music therapy may become an increasingly standard component of perioperative care, offering a safe, accessible and effective means of reducing anxiety in surgical patients.