2037. A Music Intervention to Reduce Anxiety Prior to Gastrointestinal Procedures
MD Buffum, VAMC, San Francisco, AM Hayes, VAMC, San Francisco, E Lanier, VAMC, San Francisco, E Rodahl, VAMC, San Francisco, C Sasso, VAMC, San Francisco

Objectives: The objective of this research is to evaluate whether a music intervention reduces anxiety prior to gastrointestinal procedures.

Methods: Using an experimental design, 198 veterans who were having a colonoscopy or esophagogastroduodenoscopy were randomized to one of two intervention groups, both of which occurred in procedure rooms: 1) 15 minutes of self-selected music prior to GI procedure, and 2) 15 minutes of no music prior to the GI procedure. Anxiety was tested before and after the 15-minute music or control intervention using the 40-item Spielberger (1977) State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI, state and trait forms).  Persons who listened to music completed brief questions about their music enjoyment and feelings of relaxation.  Additionally, autonomic responses and demographics were collected. Patients from both groups were allowed to select music for the duration of their GI procedures.

Results: Patients were randomized to music (n=100) or no music (n=98) using a table of random numbers.  Patients’ average age was 61 (SD 10.5, range 29-84), and 193 of the patients were men.  Most of the patients usually listen to music in varying locations (n=198, 99%).  At baseline, the state anxiety mean score was the same for music and no music groups (36).  The patients in the music intervention had significantly greater reduction in anxiety mean scores after 15 minutes (31), compared to those who had no music (35), and the difference between these scores was statistically significant (F=7.5, p=0.007). There were no significant differences in blood pressure, pulse, or respirations, which is consistent with other research. 97% stated they enjoyed the music and 89% stated they felt relaxed after listening. After the measurements for the study, patients in both groups elected to listen to self-selected music for their procedures.

Conclusions: Patients enjoy selecting and listening to music. Results demonstrated that patient-selected music effectively reduces anxiety in anticipation of GI procedures.

Impact: As a result of this study, the GI Diagnostic Center is encouraging all patients to select and listen to music while waiting for their GI procedures. This inexpensive and effective intervention is being studied for anxiety reduction in anticipation of vascular angiography.