Lights out, music on CMAJ 1997;156:973 © 1997 Canadian Medical Association Music hath charms to soothe the savage breast -- and to increase the satisfaction of elderly outpatients undergoing cataract surgery, the Canadian Journal of Anaesthesiology reports (1997;44;43-48). Researchers from the Western Division of the Toronto Hospital evaluated music's effect on 121 elderly outpatients undergoing elective cataract surgery with retrobulbar block and monitored anesthetic care using fentanyl or alfentanil and midazolam. Patients heard either relaxing suggestions, white noise, operating-room noise or relaxing music. Vital signs were documented, anxiety was assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and visual analog scales were used to assess anxiety and patient satisfaction. The study showed that music and relaxing suggestions consistently improved patient satisfaction, and elderly patients were more satisfied with their experience if they heard music. "In an era where patient satisfaction seems to be a paramount goal," the researchers concluded, "it would appear that music plays a role in enhancing this satisfaction and is a useful tool in outpatients undergoing peripheral procedures with monitored anesthetic care." Send a letter to the editor responding to this article Envoyez une lettre à la rédaction au sujet de cet article | CMAJ April 1, 1997 (vol 156, no 7) / JAMC le 1er avril 1997 (vol 156, no 7) |