Exploring patient health index, perceptions and satisfaction: the role of understanding music listening in peri-operative care for breast-related surgical procedures in China

Background Studies have demonstrated the benefits of therapeutic music listening in reducing anxiety for patients undergoing breast-related surgical procedures. However, specific factors contributing to the effects remain unclear, nor do the patient experience with such interventions. Purpose This study aimed to explore factors associated with peri-operative music listening that influence anxiety and patient satisfaction. Methods This study employed a prospective, cross-sectional observational design with a descriptive focus. Forty patients undergoing breast-related surgical procedures were enrolled at Guangzhou Concord Cancer Center, with 39 completing the survey. Recruitment and data collection commenced after surgical procedures that integrated peri-operative music listening. Considering effects of the intervention on psycho-physiological indicators during the peri-operative period, patient perspectives regarding their experience was collected via electronic surveys for analysis. Results Results indicated significant reductions in peri-operative anxiety ( p < 0.001), pre-operative heart rate ( p = 0.23), pre-operative respiration rate ( p = 0.008), post-operative heart rate ( p = 0.003), while post-operative blood pressure increased (systolic: p = 0.020; diastolic: p = 0.027). Music listening duration showed no significant impact on changes in anxiety ( r = -0.108, p = 0.513), procedural satisfaction ( r = -0.026, p = 0.876), or music selection satisfaction ( r = 0.015, p = 0.933). Music selection satisfaction positively correlated with procedural satisfaction ( r = 0.766, p < 0.001). Over half of the participants had no preference between self-selected and interventionist-selected music and emphasized the need for trained interventionists. Conclusion Findings suggest that improving music selection satisfaction may enhance procedural experiences. Future considerations for peri-operative music-based interventions include trained interventionists, music therapist-curated selections, purpose-tailored music, and interventions suitable for patients' peri-operative states. Limitations include a small sample size and no control group. Future studies should investigate the effects of listening duration on pre- and post-operative anxiety, refine the music selection, and develop training guidelines for medical staff to implement effective and patient-need-based interventions.