Usually, when we think of surgeries and the operating theater, music is the last thing in our minds. We can't even imagine our own surgeons listening to one!
A new study, however, suggests that not only do most surgeons listen to music while doing certain procedures, they also have their preferences.
The study, which was published in British Medical Journal, was conducted among surgeons working in University Hospital of Wales. As to why this classic song emerges as the top choice, it could be because the beat can help in timing chest compressions.
For those who are performing cardiac surgery may have been listening to "Unbreak My Heart," which ranked number 3. Number 2 spot was taken by "Smooth Operator" by Sade.
Music is helping not only the surgeons but also the patients. Surgeries are accompanied by anaesthetics, which can sometimes be frightening to some patients. Thus, they may benefit from listening to Pink Floyd singing "Comfortably Numb."
Researchers, however, warned about listening to Queen's "Another One Bites the Dust" and "Everybody Hurts" by REM. Some songs, meanwhile, such as "Comfortably Numb" should not be repeated many times because of the feeling it invokes to both patients and doctors. "Knives Out," on the other hand, may only cause more worry to the patient.
Contrary to popular belief, music actually helps doctors become more efficient; it allows them to concentrate in their jobs. It also promotes teamwork. Moreover, patients who are awake the whole time during a surgery may feel more relaxed and calm when listening to some music.
How many surgeons then listen to music in the operating theatre? The same research mentioned that about 8 out of 10 of them do! Moreover, music may be heard blasting at least 70% of the time, according to another study published in the same journal.
And if you think this is a new practice, this has been going on since 1900s.
