Broad responses and attitudes to having music in surgery (the BRAHMS study) - a South African perspective

Background: Music is played in operating theatres (OTs) throughout the world, though controversy around its use exists. While some clinicians may find background music favourable to the theatre mood and a way to augment surgical performance, there is concern raised over its distracting and noise-creating properties. Methods: In this prospective observational study, between August and December 2021, 110 surgeons and registrars in South Africa responded to a survey investigating the way they use music, and their perceptions and attitudes towards its effect on the OT environment. Results: In this cohort, 66% were male, 29% were consultants and the most common age range was 30-39 years old. Eighty per cent of respondents reported that music was played at least sometimes, with 74% reporting that they enjoyed it. Easy Listening was the most played and preferred genre followed by Top 40/Billboard hits. Overwhelmingly, respondents reported that background music in the OT improved temperament, focus, mood, and performance, though over a quarter felt it worsened communication. Thirty-one per cent of respondents reported that the choice of music depended on the type of operation, and 70% would turn music down or off during crises. Those who enjoyed music in their spare time were significantly more likely to enjoy music in the OT and perceive it positively. Conclusion: This study provides a window into the surgeons' use of and attitudes to intraoperative music in South Africa. While overall, music is viewed positively by this cohort, some concerns remain regarding communication and distractedness. Further interventional and qualitative studies would be useful.

Automated summary

This study investigates the use of intraoperative music by 110 surgeons in South Africa and their perceptions and attitudes towards its effect on the operating theatre environment. The results show that 80% of respondents reported that music was played at least sometimes, and 74% enjoyed it. Overall, background music in the operating theatre was seen to have a positive impact on surgeons' temperament, focus, mood, and performance, though communication concerns were raised by some participants. Further interventional and qualitative studies are needed to explore these findings.