Does Music during Image-Guided Procedures Reduce Patient Anxiety Levels?

Purpose The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of music in alleviating anxiety in patients undergoing image guided procedures. Materials and Methods A total of 129 patients were included in this prospective study after obtaining clearance from the Institutional Ethics Committee. Patients were randomized into control (n = 59, median age 46, 30 males) and music (n = 70, median age 46.5, 33 males) groups. Procedures included thoracocentesis, paracentesis, fine needle aspiration cytology and biopsies of the breast, liver, thyroid and lymph nodes. It was performed over a period of 4 months, between September 2020 and December 2020. Pre- and intra procedure recordings of systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and heart rate were recorded. Circumstantial anxiety was evaluated using the Spielberg State-Trait Anxiety Inventory before and after the procedure. Results There was a statistically significant reduction (p = 0.001) in the rise of systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and heart rate in the music group as compared to the control group. There was also a statistically significant reduction (p = 0.001) in the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory scale values in the music group as compared to the control group during the procedure. Conclusion Patients undergoing image-guided procedures may be offered a choice to listen to music of their preference to reduce situational anxiety.