Music Therapy for Critical Illness

Overseen ByZachary Henry

Age: < 18

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Pittsburgh

Must not be taking: Neuromuscular blockers

Disqualifiers: Deafness, Musicogenic epilepsy, COVID-19, others

No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how listening to music can reduce stress and pain in children on breathing machines in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Researchers compare the effects of live music (music therapy), recorded music, and usual care on these children. Children who have been intubated (using a tube to assist with breathing) and are expected to remain in the PICU for more than three days might be suitable candidates. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to enhance understanding of innovative methods to improve care for children in critical conditions.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether participants need to stop taking their current medications.

What prior data suggests that music therapy is safe for children receiving mechanical ventilation?

Research has shown that music therapy is generally safe for seriously ill patients. Studies have found that both live and recorded music can reduce anxiety, pain, and stress without causing harm. For instance, one study noted that patients in intensive care units (ICUs) responded well to music therapy, feeling more relaxed and comfortable.

Another study discovered that live music might be more effective than recorded music at reducing pain and anxiety, though both are safe options. These findings suggest that music therapy is a safe method for managing stress and pain in seriously ill patients, without significant negative effects.¹ ² ³ ⁴ ⁵

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the use of music therapy for critical illness because it offers a non-invasive, drug-free option that could enhance patient care. Unlike traditional treatments that often rely on medication and machinery, music therapy taps into the soothing power of music to potentially reduce stress and anxiety in critically ill patients. By using both live and recorded music, this approach can be tailored to individual patient preferences, providing a personalized experience. Importantly, this method could improve patient outcomes by promoting relaxation and emotional well-being, which are crucial during critical illness.

What evidence suggests that this trial's music therapy treatments could be effective for stress and pain in critically ill children?

Research has shown that music therapy, whether live or recorded, can reduce stress and improve the quality of life for very sick patients. This trial will explore both live and recorded music interventions. One study found that live music therapy lowered heart and breathing rates and reduced discomfort in children. Another study suggested that longer music sessions, especially those focused on pain relief, significantly lessened pain. Recorded music also reduced anxiety in patients using breathing machines. However, evidence suggests that live music might be more effective than recorded music in easing pain and anxiety in children. Overall, music therapy could be a helpful tool for managing stress and pain in intensive care settings.² ⁶ ⁷ ⁸ ⁹

Who Is on the Research Team?

Jessica M Jarvis, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Pittsburgh

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for children aged 5-17 who are intubated and on mechanical ventilation in the PICU, expected to stay over 72 hours. It's not for kids whose caregiver can't communicate in English, those with bilateral deafness, musicogenic epilepsy, COVID-19 diagnosis, new traumatic brain injury or unlikely to survive their PICU stay.

Inclusion Criteria

I am between 2 months and 17 years old.

Expected to have a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) stay of more than 72 hours

I am on a breathing machine.

Exclusion Criteria

My child is deaf, has music-triggered seizures, and is getting muscle relaxant infusions.

My child was recently admitted for a new brain injury.

My child has been diagnosed with COVID-19.

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Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive live and recorded music interventions to assess effects on stress and pain biomarkers

3 days

Daily sessions in the pediatric intensive care unit

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in stress and pain biomarkers post-intervention

1 month

Interviews conducted within 1 month of completing primary data collection

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

Live music
Recorded music

Trial Overview

The study aims to compare how live and recorded music affect stress and pain indicators in ventilated children at the PICU. Each child will experience both interventions randomly during their stay to see which one works better.