The Feasibility and Acceptability of a Music Intervention to Reduce Preoperative Anxiety (Fa-MIPA Study) in Older Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery or Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) Procedure

Background: High levels of preoperative anxiety (PA) have been associated with several complications, including hemodynamic instability, increased intraoperative requirements for anaesthetics, increased risk of postoperative pain, and in some studies an increased incidence of postoperative delirium (POD). Especially for people with reduced physiological reserves such as older patients, PA can independently heighten the risk of mortality or major morbidity. Music intervention stands out as an effective and practical non-pharmacologic intervention on reducing PA levels. Current evidence has proven the effectiveness of music interventions in reducing preoperative anxiety levels; however, the patients' attitudes, preferences, and overall experience of receiving music intervention before surgery are insufficiently explored. Consequently, the investigation of the acceptability of a music intervention among older patients waiting for surgery or other medical procedures is important, as acceptability has emerged as a pivotal factor in the development, assessment, and implementation of a healthcare intervention. Furthermore, it is essential to assess the feasibility of implementing music intervention within the target population, thereby enhancing the overall acceptability of this intervention.

Objectives: The primary objective is to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a music intervention in reducing PA in older patients undergoing cardiac surgery and Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) procedure. The secondary objective is to test the effect of the music intervention on preoperative anxiety reduction and the incidence of POD in the target population. Moreover, this study will provide reference for the design of a future randomized controlled trial investigating the relationship between PA and POD in older cardiac surgical patients.

Setting: This feasibility study will be conducted in the Department of Cardiology and Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of the University Hospitals Leuven.

Overall methodology: All potential patients will be identified from the list of patients scheduled for surgery or procedure, and they will be assessed for eligibility after agreeing to participate in this study. They will be provided with an information leaflet with the purpose, process, and potential benefits and harms of this study, as well as the commitment to confidentiality and freedom to withdraw at any time without any consequence. Only the patients willing to participate in the study will be further evaluated to determine their adherence to the inclusion/exclusion criteria. For the eligible patients, we will perform the baseline assessment immediately after obtaining written informed consent from patients.

After admission to hospital, patients will receive music intervention before or during surgery/procedure and perioperative routine postoperative care until discharge. We will assess the preoperative anxiety levels of the patient using validated questionnaires at the baseline and after the music intervention, as well as their perspectives regarding the acceptability and feasibility of music intervention via short interview. Any adverse outcomes related to surgery/procedure or music interventions will also be collected.