Music Therapy for Postoperative Pain

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: TriHealth Inc.

Must not be taking: Suboxone, Methadone

Disqualifiers: Non-English, Pregnant, Deaf, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

308 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?

The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications, but it does exclude those on medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorder.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Music Therapy for postoperative pain?

Research shows that music therapy can help reduce pain and anxiety after surgery. Studies have found it effective in improving patient satisfaction and providing pain relief for those undergoing various types of surgeries, including hip, knee, and spine surgeries. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is music therapy safe for humans?

Music therapy is generally considered safe for humans and has been shown to reduce postoperative pain and anxiety without causing harmful side effects. It can also help stabilize blood pressure and heart rate after surgery. ^{1 2 6 7 8}

How does music therapy differ from other treatments for postoperative pain?

Music therapy is unique because it uses calming music to help reduce pain and anxiety after surgery, without the side effects associated with medications. It allows patients to have some control over their care by choosing the music they listen to, and it can be used alongside standard treatments to enhance pain relief and reduce the need for pain medications. ^{2 6 7 9 10}

What is the purpose of this trial?

The purpose of this study is to investigate if audible distraction, in the form of music, before and/or during hernia repair surgery will decrease pain post-operatively.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for individuals scheduled to undergo hernia repair surgery and are interested in exploring non-pharmacological methods to manage postoperative pain. Specific eligibility details are not provided, but typically participants must meet certain health criteria.

Inclusion Criteria

I am scheduled for surgery at Bethesda Surgery Center.

Exclusion Criteria

Pregnant

Wears hearing aids

Currently on medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorder (ex: suboxone or methadone)

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Pre-operative

Participants listen to music in the pre-operative area before surgery

Up to 1 hour

1 visit (in-person)

Intra-operative

Participants listen to music during their hernia repair surgery

During surgery

1 visit (in-person)

Post-operative Follow-up

Participants are monitored for pain and narcotic use in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)

Up to 8 hours

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Music Therapy

Trial Overview The study is examining the effect of music as an audible distraction before and during hernia surgery on reducing post-operative pain, potentially decreasing the need for narcotics.

Participant Groups

Group I: PreOp and IntraOp Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Patient will listen to music before and during their surgery

Group II: PreOp Only Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Patient will listen to music before their surgery in pre-operative area only

Group III: IntraOp Only Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Patient will listen to music during their surgery only

Group IV: No Music Active Control 1 Intervention

Patient will not listen to music during their visit

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

TriHealth Inc.

Lead Sponsor

Trials

103

Recruited

54,100+

Findings from Research

In a study of 60 patients undergoing spinal surgery, those who listened to music experienced significantly lower levels of anxiety (VAS scores of 0.8-2.0) and pain (VAS scores of 1.7-3.0) compared to the control group, which reported higher scores for both anxiety (2.1-5.1) and pain (4.4-6.0).

Music therapy also resulted in lower blood pressure one hour after surgery in the study group compared to the control group, indicating a physiological benefit, although no significant differences were found in stress hormone levels.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Music therapy for patients receiving spine surgery. Lin, PC., Lin, ML., Huang, LC., et al.[2014]

A personalized music program implemented for older adults after elective surgeries showed positive outcomes, including improved mood, better pain control, and lower rates of delirium.

The program was integrated into an existing perioperative care framework and demonstrated that rapid cycle improvement can effectively monitor quality measures, making it a cost-effective and patient-centered intervention that can be replicated in various hospital settings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Bach to the Basics: Implementation and Impact of a Postoperative, Inpatient Personalized Music Program for Older Adults. Sharda, N., Mattoon, E., Matters, L., et al.[2020]

Perioperative music therapy significantly reduces postoperative pain and anxiety, with a large effect size observed in a meta-analysis of 19 randomized controlled trials involving 1803 patients.

The therapy also helps stabilize vital signs, leading to lower blood pressure and heart rate on the first postoperative day, although it does not improve hospital satisfaction or reduce nausea and vomiting.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of Perioperative Music Therapy on Patients with Postoperative Pain and Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Li, G., Yu, L., Yang, Y., et al.[2023]

References

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

The Impact of Music Therapy in the Postoperative Setting on Overall Patient Satisfaction Using Validated Outcome Scores. [2020]

2. Turkey pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The efficiency and duration of the analgesic effects of musical therapy on postoperative pain. [2014]

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

Music therapy for patients receiving spine surgery. [2014]

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

Bach to the Basics: Implementation and Impact of a Postoperative, Inpatient Personalized Music Program for Older Adults. [2020]

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

A systematic review of the use of music interventions to improve outcomes for patients undergoing hip or knee surgery. [2019]

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

Nursing Music Protocol and Postoperative Pain. [2018]

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

Effects of Perioperative Music Therapy on Patients with Postoperative Pain and Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. [2023]

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

The Effect of Perioperative Auditory Stimulation with Music on Procedural Pain: A Narrative Review. [2023]

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

Relaxing to the beat: music therapy in perioperative nursing. [2004]

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

Music Intervention to Orthopedic Patients: A Possible Alternative Solution to Control Pain. [2023]