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Writer's pictureJason A. Duprat MBA, MSA, APRN, CRNA

The Impact of Music on Ketamine Patients' Emergence Phenomena


Striking A Chord: The Power of Music in IV Ketamine Therapy

If you've ever found yourself tapping your foot to a catchy beat or humming along to a favorite tune, you understand the power of music. But did you know that music can play a pivotal role in IV ketamine therapy? It's true. Music isn't just for the soul; it's for the mind and body, too.


Emergence Phenomena: A Symphony of Sensations

Let's dive into the concept of emergence phenomena. This term refers to the range of feelings and side effects a patient might experience as they emerge from anesthesia.

Traditionally, these sensations are often negative. However, researchers have been investigating whether music could turn this around, transforming this emergence into a positive or at least neutral experience.


The Classic Study: Tuning into the Effects of Music

In a classic study, 80 healthy individuals between the ages of 10 and 25 were selected. All were undergoing minor surgical procedures that would last less than 45 minutes. The patients were randomly divided into two groups of 40. Each patient was administered intravenous ketamine (2 mg/kg with supplements of 1 mg/kg as needed) as an anesthetic.


The experimental group was given headphones and allowed to choose their own music before the ketamine was administered. The control group, on the other hand, did not listen to any music. The headphones were removed two hours after the last dose of ketamine.

Two days later, both groups were given a questionnaire about their experiences. The results were music to the researchers' ears.


The Results: A Harmonious Outcome

The study group reported a higher rate of dreams (23 out of 40) compared to the control group, which only had 12. Interestingly, no patients in the study group reported unpleasant dreams during the experience, whereas ten patients in the control group did.


When asked about future treatments, 32 out of 40 patients from the study group said they would opt for a similar anesthetic like ketamine in the future. In contrast, 10 patients from the control group refused a similar anesthetic. Notably, none of the patients from the study group refused similar treatment in the future.


Setting the Stage for IV Ketamine Treatment

These findings underline the importance of creating the right set and setting for your patients during ketamine infusions. This includes playing the right music, which can create a more positive and transformative experience.


Hot Take

As a healthcare boss, I'm all about optimizing experiences. This study is music to my ears - it's a clear demonstration of how simple changes can have a profound impact on patient experiences.


It's time to fine-tune our approach to ketamine treatment, and this study provides a perfect starting note. So, healthcare bosses, let's hit the right notes and make IV ketamine therapy a more harmonious experience for our patients.


Don't forget to register for our free Ketamine Academy Masterclass and start your journey.

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