The effect of music in gynaecological office procedures on pain, anxiety and satisfaction: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

BackgroundPain can interfere with office procedures in gynaecology. The aim of this study is to measure the positive effect of music in gynaecological office procedures.MethodsA randomized controlled trial was performed between October 2014 and January 2016. Women scheduled for an office hysteroscopy or colposcopy were eligible for randomization in the music group or control group. Stratification for hysteroscopy and colposcopy took place. The primary outcome is patients’ level of pain during the procedure measured by the visual analogue scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes include patients’ level of pain after the procedure, anxiety and satisfaction of patient and doctor.ResultsNo positive effect of music on patients’ perception of pain during the procedure was measured, neither for the hysteroscopy group (57 mm vs. 52 mm) nor for the colposcopy group (32 mm vs. 32 mm). Secondary outcomes were also similar for both groups.ConclusionsThis study showed no positive effect of music on patients’ level of pain, anxiety or satisfaction of patient or doctor for office hysteroscopy and colposcopy. We believe a multimodal approach has to be used to decrease patient distress in terms of pain and anxiety, with or without music.Trial registrationDutch Trial Register, NTR4924

Evaluation and ranking of different interventions for pain relief during outpatient hysteroscopy: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis

“…After the initial title and abstract screening, the full‐texts of 100 potentially eligible citations were retrieved for evaluation. Finally, 39 RCT (Women n = 3964) were included in the present systematic review and NMA. Figure shows the PRISMA flowchart.…”

Virtual reality for acute pain in outpatient hysteroscopy: a randomised controlled trial

“…34 Despite this, there has been limited research on the role of distraction techniques in the management of pain and anxiety in ambulatory gynaecological procedures and no published studies on virtual reality as a pain relief modality. 26 Non-pharmacological options of pain relief at outpatient hysteroscopy include music, 35,36 hypnosis, vaginoscopic methods of hysteroscopy, 37 adjusting the temperature and pressure of distension medium, stretching of the uterus with a full bladder and electricity via TENS 26 watching the screen, 38 conversation with positive suggestion and guided imagery. Our study provides new evidence that VR distraction techniques could be used in the future to enhance the range of pain relief options.…”

<p>Music Reduces Pain Unpleasantness: Evidence from an EEG Study</p>

“…Unlike some pharmacological interventions that may come with a risk of undesirable side effects and adverse consequences, including addiction, suicidal ideation, and even death from overdose,1–3 music is safe and nonaddictive in pain relief. Although the efficacy of music therapy is not universally agreed upon at the moment,4,5 music-induced analgesia has been demonstrated in a range of pain conditions (see6–11 for meta-analysis results), such as labor pain12,13 and pain associated with cancer 14…”