The effectiveness of music therapy in reducing stress and anxiety in patients undergoing cardiac surgery at Hanoi Heart Hospital

Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases are increasingly prevalent both globally and in Vietnam. Surgery is a definitive treatment method for addressing the underlying causes and structural abnormalities of the heart. However, undergoing surgery often causes significant anxiety and stress for patients prior to the procedure. This psychological burden can negatively affect patient well-being and increase the risk of postoperative complications. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of music therapy in reducing preoperative stress and anxiety in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Subjects and Methods: This controlled intervention study included 180 patients scheduled for cardiac surgery, who were randomly divided into two groups. Group 1 received a 30-minute music therapy session prior to being transferred to the operating room, while Group 2 underwent routine preoperative preparation. Results: The proportion of patients experiencing moderate stress decreased from 22.2% to 5.6%, and severe stress from 13.3% to 2.2%. The mean DASS-21 stress score in Group 1 decreased from 13.2 before intervention to 10.1 after intervention (p < 0.001). Moderate anxiety levels dropped from 19.9% to 7.8%, and severe anxiety from 16.7% to 7.8%. The mean DASS-21 anxiety score in Group 1 decreased from 7.99 before surgery to 4.84 after the intervention (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Music therapy is a non-invasive, effective, easy-to-implement, and low-cost method that contributes to comprehensive patient care prior to cardiac surgery at Hanoi Heart Hospital.