Background music improves experience of Covid-19 vaccination for citizens and vaccination staff - a pilot study.

The Covid-19 pandemic has caused elevated levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress. Health care staff work daily in an environment where they are exposed to varying degrees of agitation and anxiety. This requires perseverance and a high degree of motivation and concentration. This study aimed to meet such diverse challenges by supporting citizens and staff through Covid-19 vaccine procedures in the Spring of 2021 through the utilization of background music. A curated playlist was developed in collaboration with health care and medical staff. Observation data was collected on three days with music and on three days without music with a total of 699 citizens and 39 employees participating. Analysis of data indicated how background music in connection with vaccination may have a positive effect on citizens and staff, especially in terms of citizens’experience of waiting time, of mood, of sound environment in the vaccination hall, as well as staff experience of contact with citizens and in cooperation with colleagues. Implementing curated playlists requires professional expertise to maximize potential benefits, as background music also can have negative effects. The involvement of staff is essential in addressing ethical aspects, as they need to be fully informed about background music and its appropriate usage.