PLAYING music in the operating theatre makes surgeons faster and more accurate, research reveals. Classical tunes, such as Mozart or Bach, were the most beneficial, boosting doctors’ performance by up to 11 per cent. And procedures finished ten per cent quicker with music on in the background. One theory is that gentle music reduces doctors’ […]
PLAYING music in the operating theatre makes surgeons faster and more accurate, research reveals.
Classical tunes, such as Mozart or Bach, were the most beneficial, boosting doctors’ performance by up to 11 per cent.
And procedures finished ten per cent quicker with music on in the background.
One theory is that gentle music reduces doctors’ stress levels and helps them focus — known as the “Mozart effect”.
The Dundee University study, published in the International Journal of Surgery, also found that patients needed fewer painkillers or anaesthetic.
But the analysis, which looked at 18 international studies, warned that songs played at full blast can be detrimental.
It was found to trigger a rise in post-operative infections.
Music is played in two thirds of operations.
Lead researcher Dr Michael El Boghdady, from the University of Dundee, said: “Our results are based on strong scientific evidence and show that the positive effect of music on surgeon’s performance in the operating theatre, overrides any negative effects.
“Classic music when played with a low to medium volume can improve surgical performances by increasing accuracy and speed.
“But the distracting effect of music should be considered when playing a loud or high-beat type of music in the operating theatre.”
The latest study, published in the International Journal of Surgery, also found the quality of skin repair was higher if doctors were listening to tunes.
The tradition goes back to ancient times, with the Greeks associating Apollo as the God of both healing and music.
