The effect of preferred music on mental workload and laparoscopic surgical performance in a simulated setting (OPTIMISE): a randomized controlled crossover study.

Background: Worldwide, music is commonly played in the operation room. The effect of music on surgical performance reportedly has varying results, while its effect on mental workload and key surgical stressor domains has only sparingly been investigated. Therefore, the aim is to assess the effect of recorded preferred music versus operating room noise on laparoscopic task performance and mental workload in a simulated setting.