Perceptions of Intraoperative Music Among Surgical Trainees and Operating Room Staff: A Cross-Sectional Study in an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-Accredited Program

TL;DR

This study explores how music in the operating room affects the mood, focus, and performance of surgical trainees and staff, finding mostly positive effects but also some concerns.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into the impact of intraoperative music on surgical trainees and staff in an academic setting.

Findings

Most participants reported that music improved mood and calmness during procedures.

A minority of residents and faculty experienced distraction or communication issues due to music.

Very few errors were attributed to music, and most did not believe it prolonged operative time.

Abstract

Background: Music has been shown to influence cognitive performance and emotional regulation, yet its role within the surgical environment remains incompletely understood. In the operating room (OR), music may enhance mood and teamwork, but concerns persist regarding distraction and communication. This study evaluated perceptions of intraoperative music among surgical trainees and perioperative staff within an academic training environment.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the perceived effects of intraoperative music on mood, focus, communication, and performance among surgical trainees, incorporating perspectives from attending surgeons, nurses, anesthetists, and OR personnel.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Centro Médico Episcopal San Lucas between October and November 2024. A total of 107 participants, including attending physicians, surgical residents, nurses, anesthetists, surgical technologists, and administrative OR staff, were surveyed via Research Electronic Data Capture (Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN). A Likert scale was used to assess perceptions of music’s influence on mood, focus, communication, and resident performance.

Results: All 107 participants reported exposure to music in the OR, and overall perceptions were largely favorable. Among residents, 25 of 29 (86.2%) reported that music improved their mood, and 21 (72.4%) indicated that it helped them feel calmer during procedures. Improved focus was reported by 16 residents (55.2%), while 12 (41.4%) indicated some degree of distraction. Only three residents (10.3%) reported having committed an error they attributed to music, and one (3.4%) reported witnessing such an event. The majority of residents, 21 (72.4%), disagreed that music prolonged operative time.

Faculty responses demonstrated similar trends. Most faculty members reported that music improved residents’ mood (17 of 20, 85%) and enhanced focus during procedures (12 of 20, 60%). Although a minority expressed concern regarding distraction or communication interference, the majority did not perceive music as detrimental. Only five faculty (25%) reported ever requesting that music be turned off, and none reported music-related operative errors.

Conclusions: This study shows that intraoperative music is generally perceived by trainees and faculty as beneficial, particularly for enhancing mood and promoting calmness. While many residents reported improved focus, a notable subset experienced overstimulation and communication challenges, especially during complex procedures. These findings highlight the need for context-sensitive use of music, guided by procedural demands and team consensus. To validate and optimize its role in surgical education, future studies should incorporate objective performance metrics and explore standardized approaches to the use of music.