A study from University Hospital Zürich found that listening to personal favorite music helps reduce pain during intravenous cannula insertion.

Researchers at University Hospital Zürich conducted a study on 204 patients to determine if music could mitigate pain during intravenous cannula insertion for MRI procedures. The study compared the effects of listening to favorite music, relaxation music, Mozart, or no music at all. Results showed that patients' favorite music was the most effective at reducing pain during the procedure.

Study Methodology and Findings

The study involved patients undergoing nonemergency MRI scans of the brain, spine, or head and neck. Participants were divided into four groups: those listening to their favorite music, relaxation music, Mozart's Sonata KV448, or no music. Pain was measured on a scale of 1 to 10 before, during, and at two points after the cannula insertion. Researchers found that favorite music provided significant pain relief both 30 seconds and two minutes after insertion. Mozart showed significant relief only for patients who reported preexisting pain before the procedure. Relaxation music and silence showed no measurable effect on pain levels.

Clinical Implications

Dr. Meritxell Garcia Alzamora noted that the team plans to increase the use of music during radiological procedures, particularly for anxious or claustrophobic patients. Dr. Andrei Cristinel Dragnea suggested that while the study focused on short-term pain from a small needle, future research should evaluate the benefits of music for longer, more painful medical procedures.