Therapeutic Music Sessions for Critical Illness

Overseen By Gail Mayo

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Disqualifiers: Isolation, Hypotension, Bradycardia, Pregnancy, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

300 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Therapeutic Music Session for critical illness?

Research shows that music therapy can help reduce anxiety, decrease pain, and improve the overall well-being of critically ill patients, especially those in intensive care units. Music listening has been found to promote relaxation and manage distressful symptoms, making it a beneficial non-drug treatment for these patients. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is therapeutic music safe for critically ill patients?

Research shows that therapeutic music is generally safe for critically ill patients, helping to reduce anxiety, pain, and stress without harmful effects. ^{2 3 4 6 7}

How is the Therapeutic Music Session treatment different from other treatments for critical illness?

Therapeutic Music Sessions are unique because they use personalized music to help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation in critically ill patients, especially those on mechanical ventilation. Unlike conventional medical treatments, this therapy allows patients to choose their preferred music, giving them a sense of control and comfort in a stressful environment. ^{1 2 5 8 9}

What is the purpose of this trial?

Noise in the ICU can worsen patient outcomes through factors such as increased cardiovascular stress, alteration in sleep, and increased discomfort or pain The purpose of this study is to determine the benefit of therapeutic music in the ICU on patients, their families, and ICU staff.

Research Team

Joseph J. Schlesinger

Principal Investigator

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adult ICU patients at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, their family members, and ICU staff present during music sessions. Excluded are those with certain isolation precautions, unstable vital signs, pregnant women, prisoners, or anyone unable to communicate in English.

Inclusion Criteria

Patient Inclusion Criteria: Current hospitalization in adult ICU at Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Family Member Inclusion Criteria: Family member of ICU patient

ICU Clinical Staff Inclusion Criteria: ICU clinical staff who are in the patient's room during the music session

Exclusion Criteria

I am not pregnant, imprisoned, or in isolation. My blood pressure and heart rate are stable. I can communicate in English and am willing to participate.

ICU Clinical Staff Exclusion Criteria: Refusal to participate

My family member cannot communicate in English or refuses to participate.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1 week

Therapeutic Music Session

Participants receive a therapeutic music session in the ICU to assess its impact on pain, anxiety, and relaxation

20 minutes

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants, family members, and ICU staff provide feedback on the acceptability, impact, and feasibility of the music intervention

1 week

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Therapeutic Music Session

Trial Overview The study aims to assess the impact of live therapeutic music sessions on relaxation and pain relief among critically ill patients in the ICU as well as its effects on their families and medical staff.

Participant Groups

Group I: Therapeutic Music Session Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials

922

Recruited

939,000+

Findings from Research

A systematic review of six studies involving critically ill adults found limited evidence supporting the use of music for reducing sedation and analgesia requirements, with only one study showing a potential benefit.

Overall, the review concluded that there is insufficient evidence to confirm the effectiveness of music in reducing delirium in critically ill patients, and no studies were found involving pediatric or neonatal populations.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy of music on sedation, analgesia and delirium in critically ill patients. A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Garcia Guerra, G., Almeida, L., Zorzela, L., et al.[2020]

Music interventions can effectively reduce anxiety and promote relaxation in critically ill patients, particularly those in intensive care units (ICUs).

The Music Assessment Tool (MAT) was developed to help healthcare professionals identify patients' music preferences, facilitating personalized music therapy even for patients who have communication difficulties due to medical conditions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Tool for Music Preference Assessment in Critically Ill Patients Receiving Mechanical Ventilatory Support. Chlan, L., Heiderscheit, A.[2021]

This study aims to systematically review the effects of music listening on sleep and psychological outcomes, such as anxiety and depression, in critically ill patients, using a comprehensive search of multiple scientific databases and including randomized controlled trials.

The primary focus will be on sleep-related outcomes, with a rigorous methodology to assess study quality and risk of bias, ensuring reliable results that could inform non-pharmacological interventions in critical care settings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Use of music to enhance sleep and psychological outcomes in critically ill patients: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis. Chen, L., Wang, F., Li, J., et al.[2023]

In a study of 118 adult ICU patients on mechanical ventilation, live music therapy significantly reduced agitation and heart rate compared to standard care, indicating its efficacy in managing anxiety and physiological responses.

Patients receiving live music therapy showed improved scores on agitation and pain scales, suggesting that music therapy can be a beneficial intervention for intubated patients in critical care settings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Receptive Music Therapy for Patients Receiving Mechanical Ventilation in the Intensive Care Unit. Golino, AJ., Leone, R., Gollenberg, A., et al.[2023]

Music therapy serves as a complementary treatment for critically ill patients in intensive care, enhancing the effects of conventional medical treatments.

The intervention has both physiological and psychological benefits, suggesting it can improve overall patient well-being during critical illness.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Music therapy in ICU. Coughlan, A.[2015]

Music listening interventions can effectively reduce anxiety and promote relaxation in critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic tool in critical care settings.

Engaging a music therapist is crucial for assessing patient music preferences and implementing tailored music listening protocols, allowing patients to actively manage their anxiety during challenging medical experiences.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Instituting a music listening intervention for critically ill patients receiving mechanical ventilation: Exemplars from two patient cases. Heiderscheit, A., Chlan, L., Donley, K.[2021]

Music therapy is effective in reducing anxiety and managing stress for critically ill patients, making it a valuable intervention in clinical settings.

The MAIT (Music and Arts in Healthcare) resource allows nurses to implement music therapy by enabling patients to choose their preferred music and negotiate listening times, which enhances their sense of control in a stressful hospital environment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Music therapy in critical care: indications and guidelines for intervention. Chlan, L., Tracy, MF.[2007]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy of music on sedation, analgesia and delirium in critically ill patients. A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. [2020]

2. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Tool for Music Preference Assessment in Critically Ill Patients Receiving Mechanical Ventilatory Support. [2021]

3. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Use of music to enhance sleep and psychological outcomes in critically ill patients: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis. [2023]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Receptive Music Therapy for Patients Receiving Mechanical Ventilation in the Intensive Care Unit. [2023]

5. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Music therapy in ICU. [2015]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Part I: The Effects of Music for the Symptom Management of Anxiety, Pain, and Insomnia in Critically Ill Patients: An Integrative Review of Current Literature. [2018]

7. Italy pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Music therapy reduces stress and anxiety in critically ill patients: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials. [2020]

8. Canada pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Instituting a music listening intervention for critically ill patients receiving mechanical ventilation: Exemplars from two patient cases. [2021]

9. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Music therapy in critical care: indications and guidelines for intervention. [2007]