Music in Waiting Rooms: A Literature Review

Abstract

Objective: We aim to review existing literature on the effects of background music in waiting rooms on patients. Furthermore, we examine existing neurobiological research for potential mechanisms by which music may affect patients. Background: Music has been studied in healthcare in various forms, from formal interventions such as music therapy to passive listening as therapy. However, music is also present in the healthcare environment in the form of background music in waiting rooms. There has been interest in whether background music in such a setting may have beneficial effects on patient anxiety in order to potentially inform healthcare workers whether and what type of music may be suitable for waiting rooms. Methods: We reviewed existing literature on music in healthcare waiting rooms and the neurobiological mechanisms by which music affects anxiety. Results: We located several small studies performed in a range of settings, including physician office waiting rooms and preoperative waiting areas. The studies generally reported that most patients viewed music in these areas positively; some, but not all, studies showed positive effects on patient anxiety. A variety of theories by which music may impact patient anxiety was noted. Conclusions: We conclude that there exists some evidence to support an anxiety-reducing effect of background music on patients, though studies vary widely in methodology and music selection. A small amount of neurobiological research into the pertinent mechanisms has been conducted, but further research will be required to elucidate the exact mechanisms by which this intervention may reduce anxiety.

Background Music’s Impact on Patients Waiting in Surgery and Radiology Clinics

“…Specifically, background music has been shown to reduce the anxiety of patients while they wait for treatment (Chen et al, 2013; DeMarco et al, 2012; Ventura et al, 2012), and can also result in a more positive evaluation of the healthcare environment (Silverman et al, 2012; see Spence & Keller, 2019, for a review). Despite the optimism displayed by researchers in previous studies, evidence documenting the successful use of background music in waiting rooms as an intervention has, thus far, been inconclusive (Lai & Amaladoss, 2022).…”

Does Perceived Control Matter in the Outpatient Waiting Room?

“…A good deal of the work on waiting rooms has focused on atmospherics, such as the use of color, lighting, views of nature, and music. Among the consistent findings are the positive impact on patients of nature in various forms (live plants, views out windows, even posters), the availability of natural light, the use of art (paintings, posters) of nonthreatening images such as pastoral landscapes and music (e.g., Bazley et al, 2016;Beukeboom et al, 2012;Blaschke et al, 2017;Jiang et al, 2017;Lai & Amaladoss, 2022;Leather et al, 2003;Rice et al, 2008;Watts et al, 2016). These factors fall within the category of what has been termed "positive distraction" (Ulrich, 1991).…”

Enhancing patient well-being in oncology waiting rooms: a pilot field experiment on the emotional impact of virtual forest therapy

“…Typically, clinics choose commercially available programs, including a mix of series, talk shows, news, advertisements, and educational spots specifically addressing topics like prevention of respiratory diseases and hand hygiene. Interventions such as watching comedies and listening to relaxation music have been shown to positively affect cancer patients' emotional well-being in waiting room settings (Genç and Saritas, 2020;Lai and Amaladoss, 2022), as have natural videos and clips depicting kindness, compassion, or other prosocial interactions (Jo et al, 2019;Fryburg, 2021). Conversely, exposure to news content has consistently negatively impacted current and long-term well-being (e.g., Johnston and Davey, 1997;De Hoog and Verboon, 2020).…”