essure, rapid heart rate and increased respiratory rate.
Patients who have undergone surgery are stressed physically from what they have undergone, as well as mentally for several reasons: being in unfamiliar surroundings; being isolated from their loved ones; dealing with pain and uncertainty; being in an unfamiliar environment; and having their normal daily routine disturbed. Listening to music is not only relaxing, but if the patient is allowed to select the music they listen to (the isoprinciple), they can select something familiar to them and this not only reduces their anxiety level but provides a link to their normal life which gives them some attachment and feeling that not all has been taken from them: something familiar is there which they can hang on to and take comfort in. By listening to music they personally select, patients can evoke pleasant memories of the past, of times when they were not suffering, when they were experiencing pleasure, and so their anxiety level will decrease by their absorption in pleasant memories. Phase II
Author/Year/Problem Statement/Sample
Summary Statement of Study Findings
Aragon, D., Farris, C., & Byers, J. F. (2002)
1) determine if live harp playing had an effect on patient perception of pain, anxiety, and satisfaction
2) determine if live harp playing produces statistically significant differences in physiological measures of heart rate, systolic and diastolic pressure, respiration rate, and oxygen saturation
Vascular and thoracic surgery patients were approached by the investigators to participate in the study. Seventeen subjects, 10 male, 7 female, age range from 35 to 70 years of age were recruited and participated in the study.
A female harpist played low, soft melodies mostly composed by herself. All pat...