Shared Music Experiences During Bedside Neurosurgical Procedures: An ACGME-Sponsored Pilot Study on Fostering Patient-Clinician Alliance Through Music

Abstract

Background

Bedside procedures represent a substantial proportion of the neurosurgical resident's responsibilities. Although music interventions in healthcare have classically been employed for the benefit of the patient, there is evidence in support of its positive effects on healthcare workers as well.

Objectives

We aimed to create a novel framework-the shared music experience (SME)-which allows for patient and provider to discuss and mutually select a musical playlist during bedside procedural interventions.

Methods

A single-center prospective pilot study with nested design was carried out during a 6-month period. One sample was neurosurgery residents at our institution, while the other was patients undergoing nonemergent bedside procedures. Primary endpoints included change in neurosurgery residents' and patients' perception of patient-provider alliance. Secondary endpoints include quantitative and qualitative analysis of feedback from residents and patients about the SME framework.

Results

Twelve out of 13 (92.3%) eligible neurosurgery residents were enrolled. Twenty-eight SMEs were carried out. Twenty-six of 28 patients (92.9%) replied that they did enjoy the SME. Patients who partook in SMEs had a significant increase in metrics of patient-clinician alliance as measured by the mARM-5. All 7 residents who participated in at least 1 SME reported having enjoyed performing procedures within the framework and affirmed they would either ''often'' (2/7, 28.6%) or ''always'' (5/7, 71.4%) implement SME in future practice.

Conclusions

The SME is a novel intervention that can be employed to help patients and providers find common ground through music and foster the patient-clinician relationship during bedside procedures.