Written by:Daniel Herbert
When individuals undergo health challenges, they often dread going to medical appointments. They are afraid of what the doctor might find after testing them, they might be nervous about the tests that they have to endure. They may even be resistant to enter clinical settings due to previous negative experiences and they worry that the present experience will also be negative contributing to stress. Stress is a negative mental health challenge that has adverse effects, from heart attacks, depression, obesity, asthma, gastrointestinal problems amongst others. Becoming stressed out can also lead to suicide in extreme cases. Although many techniques can be named to help individuals to relax prior to medical appointments, music has been identified as an alternative method. The different genres of music can provide listeners with a variety of experiences. They can range from emotional to romantic to energetic or even motivational amongst others. Music can also be utilised for facilitating individuals towards experiencing a sense of calmness, hence used within meditation and yoga exercises. Moods and emotions including the pain an individual is experiencing, can be affected by music. Research has suggested that music therapy facilitates the healing and recovery process of individuals. When utilised appropriately, music can be used to ease negative emotions that may arise. If feelings of anxiousness arise within patients waiting for their appt, music can be instrumental in putting patients at ease and contribute towards a comfortable office environment. Studies have established that some individuals with preoperative anxiety find that when they listen to music, they do not need to take medication for anxiety as the music puts them at ease. In addition, some surgeons have found that when they listen to music, some operations are completed more quickly.
For patients who might be feeling stressed out, unwell, or pressed for time, listening to music can contribute towards making waiting times more tolerable. Some hospitals or medical waiting rooms have televisions installed to keep patients occupied, however music has been proven to help towards cultivating a better mindset and focus on their health. This is because patients prefer music to speech, even if it is soft classical music or lighter rock or jazz in the background. In addition, nature sounds can help to ease patients who feel tense prior to having an examination. Music tempo consisting of sixty beats per minute can facilitate individuals into a meditative state which can help relax patients prior to their medical appointment. Although music may be listed within medical waiting rooms to help relax patient’s, it is recommended to change the genres of music throughout the day so that staff can also stay relaxed. The lists should be long enough to ensure that songs are not being repeated throughout the day as to annoy members of staff. When music is played effectively, it can provide patients with relaxation, healing and also increase satisfaction levels. Thus, individuals will be more inclined to attend medical appointments when they need medical assistance in the future.