The Psychological Influence of a Musical Therapeutic Intervention on Hospitalized Patients

Abstract

Background: Non-pharmacological interventions appear to be beneficial to a large number of patients and lack the prevalent side effects of medications. Experiences involving music may benefit patients in intensive care.

Objective: To investigate the impact of a musical therapeutic intervention on the physiological parameters and self-reported pain and anxiety levels of intensive care unit patients.

Materials and methods: A single-group, Pretest-Posttest, within-subject design was used to perform the research. The population being studied was made up of a convenience sample. Throughout a 30-minute music therapy session, individuals either got a relaxing treatment or a "song choice" treatment. Patients conducted pain and anxiety self-assessments before and after the intervention, and the music counselor monitored how they were doing both times.

Results: Following the intervention, respiratory rate, pulse rate, and self-reported pain and anxiety levels decreased significantly (all P< .001). The level of oxygen saturation did not change significantly. Outcomes varied between the two intervention groups; patients who received the relaxation intervention frequently fell unconscious.

Conclusions: In intensive care units, the results of this study support the use of active music therapy as a non-pharmaceutical intervention. This study may open the door for further extensive and diversified future studies on music therapy in hospitals with intensive care.