Using music to reduce preoperative anxiety in colorectal surgery patients
Effect of Music Prehabilitation on Preoperative Anxiety in Patients Undergoing Colorectal Oncological Resection: a Multicentre Randomized Controlled Trial
This study tests if listening to music for a week before colorectal surgery can help reduce anxiety in patients.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 116 (estimated) |
| Ages | 16 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Erasmus Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 5 sites (Breda, Noord-Brabant and 4 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05982184 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This multicenter randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the impact of music prehabilitation on preoperative anxiety in patients scheduled for elective oncological colorectal resection. Participants will listen to music three times daily for one week prior to surgery, while their anxiety levels will be assessed and compared to a control group that does not receive music intervention. The study seeks to explore the potential of music as a low-cost and side-effect-free prehabilitation method to improve patient outcomes by reducing anxiety before surgery.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients aged 16 and older who are undergoing elective oncological colorectal surgery and can communicate effectively in Dutch.
Not a fit: Patients with severe hearing impairments, professional musicians, or those who actively listen to music for more than 30 minutes daily may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce preoperative anxiety, leading to improved surgical outcomes and patient satisfaction.
How similar studies have performed: While perioperative music interventions have shown positive effects in surgical patients, this specific application of music as a prehabilitation method is novel and has not been previously tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients aged ≥ 16 years * Patients undergoing elective oncological colorectal surgery at participating center * Minimal hospital stay of 2 days postoperatively. * Sufficient knowledge of the Dutch language * Communicable and able to assess the questionnaires * Patients who have access to personal music playing device and headphones/earphones. - Written informed consent acquired from the patient Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with severe hearing impairment (defined as no or barely verbal communication possible). * Patients with an expected stay of less than two nights in the hospital * Patients who are professional musicians. * Active music players or singers who may play or sing every week * Patients who actively listen to music with a duration of \> 30 minutes daily. Active listening is defined as music listening with headphones/earphones, while this is not combined with any other activity (e.g. exercising, working, driving or religious activities). * Patients who have a preoperative waiting period of less than five days. * Participation in another study that may possibly intervene with the outcome measures. (e.g. use of psychiatric medication during inclusion or prehabilitation interventions or similar procedures according to the judgement of the research team) * Assessment of primary outcome is not possible. * Patients with mental disorders influencing their ability to adhere to the study protocol and/or assess the questionnaires. * Inability or unwillingness to receive the music intervention.
Where this trial is running
Breda, Noord-Brabant and 4 other locations
- Amphia Ziekenhuis — Breda, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands (Recruiting)
- Admiraal de Ruyter Ziekenhuis — Goes, Zeeland, Netherlands (Recruiting)
- Albert Schweitzer Ziekenhuis — Dordrecht, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands (Recruiting)
- Franciscus Gasthuis — Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands (Recruiting)
- Maasstad Ziekenhuis — Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Markus Klimek, MD, PhD — Erasmus Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Jorrit G Verhoeven, MSc, MD
- Email: j.g.verhoeven@erasmusmc.nl
- Phone: +31107040163
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.