A Study to Evaluate the Effect of Music on Pain Intensity and Physiological Parameters among Post - Operative Cardiac Patients in AIIMS, New Delhi

Cardiac surgery is associated with postoperative cutaneous, visceral, and deep somatic pain. Music as one of the complimentary alternative medical (CAM) therapy is a non pharmacological method that can be used to treat pain during post operative period. This RCT was undertaken with the aim to evaluate the effect of music on pain and physiological parameters among post- operative cardiac patients.40 patients after cardiac surgery were randomly assigned to receive either music intervention with standard care practices (study group, n1=20) or standard care practices only (control group, n2=20) twice a day on 1st and 2nd post operative day. Pain intensity was measured using numerical rating scale and physiological parameters were recorded from the cardiac monitor. Patients were asked to give their remarks on music therapy after intervention. Results show no significant difference between study and control group in terms of pain intensity and physiological parameters. Significant reduction was seen before and after intervention in study group. Based on the scientific evidences it is concluded that CAM therapies should be thoughtfully used as not all CAM therapies work effectively during immediate post operative period when the patient is anxious about the prognosis.