Effects of nature-based sounds on patient anxiety during the preoperative period

This study investigated the effect of nature-based sounds on the preoperative anxiety of 30 patients scheduled for elective surgical procedures. Preoperative anxiety was measured utilizing a visual analog scale. Of the 30 subjects who were randomly placed in either control or experimental groups, 15 subjects comprised the experimental group who were provided with nature-based sounds, and 15 subjects comprised the control group who listened to non-vocal musical sounds. Pre-test data were collected upon admission to the preoperative area, while post-test data were collected prior to entering the operating room suite. Measurements consisting of blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate were also obtained both times. Using the t-statistic, results showed significant differences in the anxiety responses and the systolic blood pressures of patients who were provided with nature-based sounds than those provided with non-vocal musical sounds. The results of this study suggest that nature-based sound decreases anxiety responses of the preoperative patient.