A number of studies with specially designed music’s effects on patients waking up after anaesthesia has since 1999 been implemented in several hospitals in Denmark, Sweden and Norway. In summary, the results from all of these studies show a very high percentage of this group having great benefit of this additional treatment with music. It has in particular helped patients through the process with less stress, anxiety and general discomfort in relation to their recovery. In addition to patients' physical and mental/emotional reactions associated with music therapy are also included evaluation of all practical aspects such as sound source(s), duration of music listening, volume and other circumstances relating to the environment which exists in the recovery wards.
"At ICU wards noise can be divided into background noise and meaningful noise. Background noise is sounds that is present continuously or periodically, sounds without direct meaning for the individual patient. Background noise can be sounds from the ventilator, suction, pumps, alarms and the sound of voices. Meaningful noise are sounds that have a purpose or function in relation to the individual patient, again for example puff and the sound of voices. In this way, what is background noise for one patient, can be meaningful noise for a fellow patient.An opportunity to change the existing sound environment in the intensive care unit is to design a sound environment consisting of music and natural sounds. Sound environment would thus be meaningful and patients are allowed to comment on the sounds he/she is surrounded by. In the intensive environmental activities are going on around the clock and lack of planning, prioritization and consideration can lead to the patients are constantly disrupted - circumstances which means that the patient does not get rest and peace. By letting music be a therapeutic agent on an equal footing with other treatments, the goal is to legalize the patient is left in peace during music playback."
Vibeke Hansen (Intensive care nurse VITA) and Anni Nørregaard (Clinical supervisor, Anaesthesiology – intensive care ward V) - read article ’ Music for patients in intensive care and recovery wards at OdenseUniversityHospital’ under Publications & Articles
Additional articles in the media (Danish text only):
Artikel i Fyns Stiftstidense: Musik som medicin
Artikel i Kristeligt Dagblad ”Det musikalske Hospital”: