Overall, the study demonstrated that live music-assisted relaxation and imagery sessions can be successfully implemented among patients undergoing pancreatic surgery. The feedback from participants indicated that the intervention was beneficial in managing stress, pain, and anxiety during the recovery process.
Moving forward, the researchers plan to further investigate the epigenomic mechanisms underlying music therapy’s analgesic effects by refining protocols for collecting blood samples pre- and post-intervention. By analyzing changes in gene expression among patients with acute post-surgical pain, they aim to gain a better understanding of how music therapy impacts recovery outcomes.
Dr. Richard S. Hoehn, a co-author of the study and pancreatic surgeon at UH Seidman Cancer Center, emphasized the importance of incorporating music therapy into the holistic care of surgical oncology patients. Understanding the mechanisms by which music therapy makes a difference in patient outcomes is crucial for enhancing post-operative care.
With the valuable data obtained from this study, future research can delve deeper into the gene expression mechanisms underlying music therapy’s effectiveness. By collecting and analyzing blood samples before and after music therapy interventions, researchers can uncover the biological processes that contribute to pain relief and stress reduction in surgical patients.
By continuing to explore the benefits of music therapy in surgical settings, healthcare providers can offer more comprehensive and personalized care to patients undergoing complex procedures like pancreatic surgeries. The integration of music-assisted relaxation and imagery sessions has the potential to improve recovery experiences and enhance overall well-being for surgical patients.
