The secret of keeping the doctor away? An iPod a day, suggests a new research. Well, patients could soon be given Apple iPods loaded with their favourite music to help them recover from surgery faster, in the research trial at London’s Barts Hospital.
The research actually plans to test the theory that patients allowed to listen to music feel less pain, need less medication and leave hospital sooner after surgery, the Daily Mail reported. If approved, the first to benefit will be new mothers, who will be exposed to music before and after they give birth, and those admitted for orthopaedic operations such as hip and knee replacements.
They will be monitored to see how music affects their anxiety levels, blood pressure and heart rate compared to those who don’t listen to music. Although it is thought that the best music to use depends on each patient’s personal taste, the research will be used to create an original piece of music designed to have the most therapeutic effect.
The trial would involve about 120 patients at Barts and The London National Health Service Trust, and be run by The Public Engagement Foundation charity.
Founder Tim Joss said: “This is not about art as fluff — it’s about saving the NHS money and I will not consider this to be a success unless that’s what it does. We want to get rid of that clinical, hospital feel and make wards feel more welcoming for patients.”
The music may be given to patients on iPods, or they may be encouraged to bring in their own devices or use the hospital’s in-house entertainment system.
Joss added: “It may be that what helps a new mother recover from a birth is not the same thing that helps someone on an orthopaedic ward. It could be fascinating.” Music psychologist Susan Hallam, from the London Institute of Education, said: “There is plenty of evidence that music can reduce anxiety. It can cut the time patients take to recover so could allow them to leave hospital quicker.”