The Association between Music Listening at Home and Subjective Well-Being

This study examines the association between listening to music at home and subjective well-being, using data from 14,162 respondents in the China General Social Surveys conducted in 2015, 2017, and 2021. Among the respondents, the average happiness score was 3.958. Regression analyzes indicate that frequent music listening is significantly associated with higher happiness levels, with coefficients of 0.384 in the baseline model and 0.570 in the model with control variables. Robustness checks performed across different models support these findings. Instrumental variable analysis, using Mandarin proficiency, yielded a coefficient of 0.212, indicating a robust association despite a slight reduction in magnitude. Heterogeneity analyzes showed consistent associations across genders, religious beliefs, and regions, with slightly stronger associations observed for females and non-religious individuals. Mediation analysis identified mental health and class identity as significant mediators, contributing to a total association of 0.146. These results highlight the positive correlation between music listening and well-being, suggesting the potential value of integrating music resources into well-being strategies.

The Multisensory/Snoezelen Environment to Optimize the Dental Care Patient Experience

This article provides a brief overview of how the environment can affect behavior and that well-designed spaces can affect how patients handle stress. The application of the Snoezelen multisensory interactive calming strategies and devices that were installed in all facets of a community dental practice are described. These principles of creating a calming dental home improved behavior, cooperation, and satisfaction with care in persons with disabilities and reduced the need for sedation or general anesthesia. It is proposed that the creation of similar clinics with multisensory calming features could improve community access to dental care for persons with special needs.

Extra-Curricular Activities and Well-Being: Results From a Survey of Undergraduate University Students During COVID-19 Lockdown Restrictions

Participation in extra-curricular activities has been found to associate with increased well-being. Here we investigated in a survey (n = 786) what activities university students at a Canadian university engaged in during the stressful COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in April, 2020, which coincided with a novel online exam period, and how these activities related to perceived well-being, anxiety (STAI-S), social aspects of activities, and personality. Sixty-five percentage of students scored in the high anxiety category of the STAI-S, an alarming statistic given that only 24% had reached out for professional supports. This is consistent with reports that current supports on university campuses are inadequate. Listening to music (92%) and watching movies/series (92%) were engaged in most frequently, followed by socializing virtually (89%) and engaging in social media (85%). The activities students rated as most helpful to their well-being were somewhat different, with outdoor exercise rated highest, followed by socializing virtually and listening to music. While all activities were rated as beneficial, those with a social component tended to have high ratings, consistent with students attempting to replace lost social interactions. Linear regression models found few associations between STAI-S scores and other measures, likely because of large individual differences and lack of a pre-pandemic baseline needed to assess changes in anxiety. The importance of individual differences was evident in that those higher in conscientiousness or extraversion or emotional stability were more likely to engage in exercise, while those higher in openness to experience were more likely to engage in journaling, playing a musical instrument, or singing, with a trend for higher engagement in song writing. Individual differences were also evident in that equal numbers of students gave positive and negative comments related to their well-being during the pandemic. The individual differences uncovered here suggest that having a variety of proactive interventions would likely reach more students. Indeed, 52% indicated an interest in online group music therapy, 48% in art therapy and 40% in verbal therapy, despite music and art therapies being virtually non-existent on campuses. In sum, the findings highlight the importance of choice in extra-curricular activities and therapies that support well-being.

The role and outcomes of music listening for women in childbirth: An integrative review

AIM

To synthesise primary research on the role and use of music listening for women in childbirth.

DESIGN

Integrative review.

METHODS

Whittemore and Knafl's (2005) five-stage integrative review method was utilized to complete a systematic search of the literature. Studies were included if they were (a) peer-reviewed, (b) written in the English language, (c) published between 1 January 1979 and 5 April 2019 and (d) described the use of music listening during labour and birth. Studies were appraised for quality and methodological rigor using standardised assessment tools including the Critical Appraisal Skills Programmes (CASP) checklist for the qualitative studies and the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool for the quasi-experimental studies and randomised control trials. Data extrapolation, methodological quality assessment and Thematic Content Analysis (Braun and Clarke, 2006) were carried out.

FINDINGS

A total of 931 articles were retrieved and 24 papers were included in the review (12 randomized controlled trials, 9 quasi-experimental and 3 qualitative). The quality of the studies was moderately good overall. Two overarching themes emerged including 'outcomes of using music in childbirth' and, 'music application during childbirth'. Within 'outcomes of using music in childbirth' four subthemes are described: 'pain', 'anxiety', 'psychological supports' and 'progression of labour'. Within 'music application during childbirth' four themes are presented: 'timing of the music application', 'type of music', 'birth preparation using music' and 'mode of music listening'.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

The findings indicate that music listening has a significant role to play for women in childbirth. This non-pharmacological intervention can reduce pain and anxiety while offering a multifaceted form of psychological support to alleviate stress and promote an increased sense of control in women during labour. However, further awareness is needed around the idiosyncratic nature of the music listening experience.

Effect of Music Therapy with Periorbital Massage on Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting In Gastrointestinal Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trail

Introduction: Music and massage therapy are among the approaches of complementary medicine. Patients with cancer have been hugely encouraged in recent years to use complementary medicine to relieve chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. The present study was conducted to determine the effect of music and periorbital massage therapy on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in patients with gastrointestinal cancers. Methods: The present single-blind clinical trial study was conducted on 60 patients with gastrointestinal cancer undergoing chemotherapy who were randomly assigned to control and music plus massage therapy groups. Two interventions were concurrently carried out on patients in music plus massage therapy group while receiving chemotherapy medication, but the control group received no intervention. Rhodes questionnaire was used to assess nausea and vomiting before and 24 hours after chemotherapy. Data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistical tests (Chi-square and t-tests). Results: Music plus periorbital massage therapy significantly reduced nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing chemotherapy compared to the control group. Conclusion: According to the results, using music plus periorbital massage improves nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing chemotherapy, and can be considered as a complementary medicine method in conjunction with other medicinal therapies to relieve symptoms of patients with cancer.

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

INTRODUCTION

The underlying clinical condition and the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) environment make critical illness a stressful event. Although the usual management consists of sedation, non-pharmacological interventions such as music therapy have been suggested for their drug-sparing effect. Aim of the present review is to assess the current evidence on the effectiveness of music therapy in reducing stress and anxiety in critically ill, adult patients.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A systematic review of publications was undertaken using MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, Indice Italiano di Letteratura di Scienze Infermieristiche. We included studies of critically ill patients that assessed any effect of music therapy on stress and anxiety, which were variably assessed according to each study's definition.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Eleven studies were included (10 RCTs and one quasi-experimental design), for a total of 959 patients (range 17-373). The overall quality of the studies was satisfactory; several potential sources for bias were identified. Music therapy was generally provided as a single, 30'-intervention, ranging from 15 to 60'. Only in two studies was the intervention repeated more than once daily. The control groups were standard care, relaxation, headphones with no music or noise-cancelling headphones. Music therapy determined a significant reduction in the levels of anxiety and stress, as assessed by self-reported scales and physiologic parameters. Pooled analysis was not performed due to the heterogeneity of the interventions.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite significant heterogeneity in trial designs, timing and features of the intervention, music therapy is consistently associated with a reduction in anxiety and stress of critically ill patients.

Nursing and music: Considerations of Nightingale's environmental philosophy and phenomenology

A philosophy of nursing is to express our considered opinion on what we believe to be true about the nature of the profession of nursing and provide a basis for nursing activities. It affirms the ethical values that we hold as fundamental to our practice. For many of us in nursing, our philosophy derives from Nightingale and phenomenology. We believe Nightingale and phenomenology are uniquely placed within nursing philosophies, to assist the nurse to understand the use of music within a holistic, caring-healing paradigm, as nursing continues to adapt and evolve in the 21st century. This article proposes that both Nightingale's environmental philosophy and phenomenology are excellent intellectual and practice frameworks for nurses to consider music-based interventions for older adults who experience dementia. The potential outcome is an enhanced understanding of the well-being of this vulnerable group of older persons.

The effect of music on pain and anxiety of women during labour on first time pregnancy: A study from Turkey

OBJECTIVE

This study aims at analyzing the effect of music on pain and anxiety felt by women in labor during their first pregnancy.

METHOD

When the pregnant women in the experimental group progressed into the active phase of the labor, they were made to listen to music in Acemasiran mode with earplugs for 3 h (20 min of listening with 10-min breaks).

FINDINGS

It was observed that after the first-hour women indicated that their pain was statistically less in the experimental group. Trait anxiety scores of the women in labor were similar for experimental and control groups. Following the practice, state anxiety average scores became lower in favor of the experimental group and the correlation was statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

In order to facilitate women's coping with labor pain and improve their wellbeing with the activity during the labor, musicotherapy, a non-pharmacological method, is an effective, simple and economical method.

The effects of a designer music intervention on patients' anxiety, pain, and experience of colonoscopy: a short report on a pilot study

There is a controversy on whether listening to music before or during colonoscopy reduces anxiety and pain and improves satisfaction and compliance with the procedure. This study aimed to establish whether specifically designed music significantly affects anxiety, pain, and experience associated with colonoscopy. In this semirandomized controlled study, 34 patients undergoing a colonoscopy were provided with either muted headphones (n = 17) or headphones playing the investigator-selected music (n = 17) for 10 minutes before and during colonoscopy. Anxiety, pain, sedation dose, and overall experience were measured using quantitative measures and scales. Participants' state anxiety decreased over time (P < .001). However, music did not significantly reduce anxiety (P = .441), pain scores (P = .313), or midazolam (P = .327) or fentanyl doses (P = .295). Despite these findings, 100% of the music group indicated that they would want music if they were to repeat the procedure, as compared with only 50% of those in the nonmusic group wanting to wear muted headphones. Although no significant effects of music on pain, anxiety, and sedation were found, a clear preference for music was expressed, therefore warranting further research on this subject.

Hearing, Listening, Action: Enhancing nursing practice through aural awareness education

Abstract Noise overload within the clinical environment has been found to interfere with the healing process for patients, as well as nurses ability to effectively assess patients. Awareness and responsibility for noise production begins during initial nursing training and consequently a program to enhance aural awareness skills was designed for graduate entry nursing students in an Australian university. The program utilised an innovative combination of music education activities to develop the students' ability to distinguishing individual sounds (hearing), appreciate patient's experience of sounds (listening) and improve their auscultation skills and reduce the negative effects of noise on patients (action). Using a mixed methods approach, students' reported heightened auscultation skills and greater recognition of both patients' and clinicians' aural overload. Results of this pilot suggest that music education activities can assist nursing students to develop their aural awareness and to action changes within the clinical environment to improve the patient's experience of noise.

Effect of Turkish classical music on blood pressure: a randomized controlled trial in hypertensive elderly patients

BACKGROUND

Existing studies suggest that music therapy can have favorable effects on hypertension and anxiety. We therefore set out to investigate the effect of Turkish classical music.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate whether Turkish classical music has positive effects on blood pressures and anxiety levels in elderly patients.

DESIGN, SETTING AND SUBJECTS

This was a randomized controlled trial performed on 60 hypertensive patients living in a local elderly home in Adana, Turkey.

METHODS

Following the completion of a socio-demographic form for each patient, Hamilton anxiety scale was applied. Thereafter, the subjects were randomly divided into two equal-size groups and were allowed to either listen to Turkish classical music (music therapy group) or have a resting period (control group) for 25 min.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary and secondary outcome measures were blood pressure and Hamilton anxiety scale scores, respectively.

RESULTS

The mean reduction in systolic blood pressure was 13.00 mmHg in the music therapy group and 6.50 mmHg in the control group. The baseline adjusted between treatment group difference was not statistically significant (95% CI 6.80-9.36). The median reductions in diastolic blood pressures were 10 mmHg both in the music therapy and control groups. The between treatment group difference was not statistically significant (Mann-Whitney U test, P = 0.839). The mean reduction in HAMA-A was 1.63 in the music therapy group and 0.77 in the control group. The baseline adjusted between treatment group difference was not statistically significant (95% CI 0.82-1.92).

CONCLUSION

The study demonstrated that both Turkish classical music and resting alone have positive effects on blood pressure in patients with hypertension.

Effects of familiar voices on brain activity

This study aimed to examine the extent to which a familiar voice influences brain activity. Participants were nine healthy female volunteers aged 21-34 years old (with a mean age of 25.78 ± 4.04 years). Brain activity was recorded during periods of silence, familiar and unfamiliar voices. Electroencephalographic data were collected and analyzed using a frequency rate set at 5 min. To account for emotional influences imbedded into the contents of the voice stimuli, both the voice of a familiar family member and the voice of a stranger were used to record a well-known Japanese fairy tale, 'Momotaro'. Results revealed that listening to familiar voices increased the rate of the β band (13-30 Hz) in all four brain areas (F3, F4, C3 and C4). In particular, increased activity was observed at F4 and C4. Findings revealed that in study, participants' familiar voices activated cerebral functioning more than unfamiliar voices.

Effects of music listening on adult patients' pre-procedural state anxiety in hospital

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

BACKGROUND

Anticipation of an invasive procedure in hospital is likely to provoke feelings of anxiety and stress in patients. An unfamiliar environment, loss of control, perceived or actual physical risk, dependence on strangers and separation from friends and family are all factors that can contribute to the development of such feelings. Recently, there has been considerable interest in the anxiolytic potential of music listening in a variety of clinical settings, yet thus far, little is known about the impact of music listening on the pre-procedural patient population. A systematic review of all literature to date was indicated to improve understanding of outcomes and impact of music listening on pre-procedural anxiety, thus helping nurses decide whether or not to incorporate music listening into practice and to highlight a need, or otherwise, for a related primary research agenda.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this review was to determine the best available evidence on the effectiveness of music listening in reducing adult hospital patients' pre-procedural state anxiety.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

Types of studies This review included randomised controlled trials and quasi-experimental research designs that examined the efficacy of music listening in reducing state anxiety among pre-procedural hospital patients published between January 1985 and February 2006. The search was limited to publications after 1985 to coincide with the increasing interest and use of complementary therapies within health care during the 1980s and 1990s. Types of participants Participants of interest to the review were adult day patients, ambulatory patients and inpatients who were about to undergo any type of clinical procedure. Types of intervention The review focused on studies that investigated pre-procedural music listening employed and prescribed as a potentially therapeutic activity. It excluded any other form of music therapy. Types of outcome measures The primary outcome measures examined were alterations in state anxiety and a variety of physiological variables such as blood pressure and respiration and heart rates.

SEARCH STRATEGY

A search for published and unpublished literature between January 1985 and February 2006 was conducted using all major electronic databases. A three-step search strategy was devised which consisted of using high-precision MeSH terminology and keywords to ensure that all material relevant to the review was captured. CRITICAL APPRAISAL: The methodological quality of included studies was assessed by two reviewers, who appraised each study independently, using the standard Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Data were extracted from the studies that were identified as meeting the criteria for methodological quality using a data-extraction tool developed for the review. Studies were grouped by outcome measure and summarised using tabular and narrative formats.

RESULTS

The review demonstrated that state anxiety is defined and measured using both psychological and physiological parameters. Music listening had a consistently positive and statistically significant effect on reducing psychological parameters of pre-procedural state anxiety. However, the results from the measurement of various pre-procedural physiological parameters failed to reveal any consistent positive changes in patients who had listened to music. This calls into question the adequacy of the theories in this area which link anxiety and the automated and central nervous systems and the effect that music listening may have on these processes and physiological responses.

CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

1 In order to reduce anxiety, it is likely that patients will benefit psychologically from having the opportunity to listen to music in the immediate pre-procedural period. 2 Patients do not appear to experience any alteration in physiological status as a result of listening to music. 3 Further research is indicated in order to replicate existing studies, to strengthen the evidence to support such interventions and to establish intervention parameters. 4 Further research is needed analysing the physiological mechanisms by which music listening is believed to reduce state anxiety and the contribution of the automated and other nervous systems to this reduction.

Effects of music intervention on physiological stress response and anxiety level of mechanically ventilated patients in China: a randomised controlled trial

AIM

To examine the effects of music intervention on the physiological stress response and the anxiety level among mechanically ventilated patients in intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND

Despite the fact that previous studies have found music interventions to be effective in stress and anxiety reduction, effects of music on the Chinese population are inconclusive and warranted systematic study to evaluate its effect fully for a different Asian culture.

DESIGN

A randomised placebo-controlled trial.

METHODS

A total of 137 patients receiving mechanical ventilation were randomly assigned to either music listening group, headphone group or control group. Outcome measures included the Chinese version of Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Scale and physiological parameters (heart rate, respiratory rate, saturation of oxygen and blood pressure).

RESULTS

Comparison of mean differences (pretest score-posttest score) showed significant differences in heart rate, respiratory rate, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure as well as the Chinese version of Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Scale, but not in SaO(2) among the three groups (ranging from p < 0.001 to p = 0.007), of which greater mean differences were found in music listening group. A significant reduction in physiological stress response (heart rate and respiratory rate) over time was found in music listening group (p < 0.001 for both variables) and a significant increase in heart rate and respiratory rate over time in control group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.032), with no significant change over time in headphone group. Within group pretest-posttest comparison of the Chinese version of Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Scale demonstrated a significant reduction in anxiety for the music listening group (p < 0.001) and headphone group (p < 0.001) but not the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings confirm that short-term therapeutic effects of music listening results in substantial reduction in physiological stress responses arising from anxiety in mechanically ventilated patients.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Music as a non-pharmacological nursing intervention can be used as complementary adjunct in the care of patients with low-energy states who tire easily, such as those requiring mechanical ventilator support.

The effects of music on physiological responses and sedation scores in sedated, mechanically ventilated patients

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

A pilot study designed as future randomised controlled trial was carried out to determine the effects of music on physiological responses and sedation scores in sedated, mechanically ventilated patients.

BACKGROUND

Mechanically ventilated ICU patients, even when receiving intravenous sedatives, may experience stress and anxiety. One possible intervention to reduce stress and anxiety is listening to music.

DESIGN

A randomised controlled trial design with repeated measures was used.

METHODS

Data were collected over a six-month period in 2006. Twenty subjects were randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group. Subjects in the experimental group listened to music three times for 30 minutes over two days; subjects in the control group undertook three 30 minute rest periods. Physiological effects of music on systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure and heart and respiratory rate were assessed. Sedation scores were also measured.

RESULTS

Physiological parameters did not show a significant difference between the groups. Patients in the experimental group showed significantly higher Ramsay (sedation) scores than patients in the control group after the first session. The higher scores indicate that patients were less responsive to external stimuli.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that listening to music leads to higher sedation scores in sedated, mechanically ventilated ICU patients. No significant decreases in physiological parameters were observed. Listening to music showed no negative changes in the condition of these patients. Future research should focus on the use of other measures, such as stress hormones, to assess stress in sedated, mechanically ventilated ICU patients.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

For the sedated, mechanically ventilated ICU patient, the benefit of music may lie in the associated (deeper) level of sedation that is achieved, which in turn may make the patient less susceptible to stress and anxiety.

The growth of complementary therapies: and their benefits in the perioperative setting

Complementary therapies support and enhance the quality of life and people's wellbeing. Increasingly, people are seeking out complementary therapies in managing their healthcare. Practitioners in the perioperative setting, who are at the forefront of healthcare delivery, should be aware of the current complementary therapies available to patients, including the potential benefits and any contraindications of the therapies.

The effect of music on hypertensive patients

The aim of this study is to examine if, and to what extent, daily listening to a certain type of music can help hypertensive patients lower their blood pressure (BP). Experiments were conducted at an elderly home. Thirty subjects aged 63-93 years participated in the study and were randomly assigned into either a music group (n=15) or a control group (n=15). There were no significant differences between the two groups in initial BP values, age, gender, or medication status. Subjects in the music group listened to selected music, 25 min every day for 4 weeks. BP was measured twice a week by a registered nurse with a sphygmomanometer during the 4-week study period and after the completion of the study. Four subjects dropped from the experiment due to a change of medical conditions or to personal reasons. After 4 weeks, the average decrease for the music group (n=12) in systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) was 11.8 mmHg (p=0.008) and 4.7 mmHg (p=0.218), respectively, whereas there was no significant changes in SBP or DBP for the control group (n=14). The results suggest that listening to a certain type of music serves to reduce high SBP and therefore music therapy may be an alterative for hypertension treatment.

Effects of music therapy on psychological health of women during pregnancy

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of music therapy on stress, anxiety and depression in Taiwanese pregnant women.

BACKGROUND

The value of music therapy is slowly being realized by nurses in various clinical areas, including obstetrics. Previous studies have demonstrated a high prevalence of psychological stress during pregnancy. Few studies have examined the effects of music therapy on reducing psychological stress during pregnancy.

DESIGN

A randomized experimental study design was developed and implemented.

METHODS

Two hundred and thirty-six pregnant women were randomly assigned to music therapy (n = 116) and control (n = 120) groups. The music therapy group received two weeks of music intervention. The control group received only general prenatal care. Psychological health was assessed using three self-report measures: Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), State Scale of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (S-STAI) and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS).

RESULTS

In a paired t-test, the music therapy group showed significant decrease in PSS, S-STAI and EPDS after two weeks. The control group only showed a significant decrease in PSS after two weeks. This decrease was not as substantial as in the experimental group. An ancova test with the pretest scores as the control revealed that the changes in PSS, S-STAI and EPDS after two weeks were significantly decreased in the experimental group compared with the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

This controlled trial provides preliminary evidence that two-week music therapy during pregnancy provides quantifiable psychological benefits.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

The findings can be used to encourage pregnant women to use this cost-effective method of music in their daily life to reduce their stress, anxiety and depression. Further research is needed to test the long-term benefits.

A música como recurso no cuidado à criança hospitalizada: uma intervenção possível?

Trata-se de um estudo bibliográfico realizado a partir das bases de dados MEDLINE e LILACS e vias não-sistematizadas, no período de 1994 a 2004. Teve como objetivo analisar a produção bibliográfica da enfermagem pediátrica quanto à utilização da música como recurso terapêutico no espaço hospitalar, a fim de identificar o estado do conhecimento desta área nesse campo. Da análise do material empírico, emergiram três unidades de significados: o cenário, as intervenções e as repercussões. Os resultados evidenciaram os benefícios da música para a criança hospitalizada, seus familiares e equipe de saúde e constatou-se que este recurso pode ser utilizado no espaço hospitalar como uma intervenção de baixo custo, não-farmacológica e não-invasiva, promovendo um processo de desenvolvimento que visa à saúde da criança, da família e dos trabalhadores.

Effects of music on patients undergoing a C-clamp procedure after percutaneous coronary interventions

AIM

This paper reports a study to determine the effect of music on physiological parameters and level of pain in patients undergoing application of a C-clamp after percutaneous coronary interventions.

BACKGROUND

Most percutaneous coronary interventions are performed through the femoral artery. In order to stop bleeding and achieve homeostasis, a C-clamp is used after percutaneous coronary interventions. However, the experience is painful for patients and they inevitably suffer discomfort. Pain may lead to stress responses and may affect the physical and mental health of patients. One potential beneficial practice is having the patient listen to relaxing music, which might have the effect of reducing situational discomfort and pain.

METHODS

A randomized controlled study was conducted during the period September 2004 to March 2005. Forty-three people (20 experimental and 23 control) were recruited from the intensive care units of two acute care hospitals in Hong Kong. Physiological and psychological variables were collected at baseline and at 15, 30 and 45 minutes.

RESULTS

In the music group, there were statistically significant reductions (P=0.001) in heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation than the control participants at 45 minutes. In the music group, statistically significant reductions (P=0.001) in systolic blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate and oxygen saturation were found at the four time points, but not in the control group. No statistically significant differences were found at baseline comparison of the two groups, but statistically significant differences in pain scores were found at 45 minutes for participants in the music group compared with the control group (P=0.003). Participants in the control group showed statistically significant increases in pain at 45 minutes compared with baseline (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The benefits of preventing physiological reactions to pain were demonstrated. Music is a simple, safe and effective method of reducing potentially harmful physiological and psychological responses arising from pain.

Use of preferred music to decrease agitated behaviours in older people with dementia: a review of the literature

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

This paper reviews study findings of preferred music on agitated behaviours for older people with dementia and provides implications for future research and practice.

BACKGROUND

Music has been suggested as a feasible and less costly intervention to manage agitated behaviours in older people with dementia. However, no review of the literature focusing on study findings of preferred music on agitated behaviours in older people with dementia had been reported.

METHODS

A review was undertaken using electronic databases with specified search terms for the period of 1993-2005. The references listed in the publications selected were also searched for additional studies.

RESULTS

Eight research-based articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The preferred music intervention demonstrated positive outcomes in reducing the occurrence of some types of agitated behaviours in older people with dementia. The findings from these studies were relatively consistent in finding improvement in agitated behaviours although the findings in one study did not reach statistical significance. The small sample sizes and some variations in the application of the preferred music intervention mean that caution is needed in drawing conclusions from these studies.

CONCLUSIONS

This review highlights that preferred music has positive effects on decreasing agitated behaviours in older people with dementia; however, the methodological limitations indicate the need for further research.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Findings from the review highlight the beneficial outcomes of preferred music in reducing agitated behaviours for older people with dementia. The incorporation of preferred music has the potential to provide a therapeutic approach to the care of older people with dementia.

Music and its effect on the physiological responses and anxiety levels of patients receiving mechanical ventilation: a pilot study

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of music on the anxiety of patients on mechanical ventilation, as assessed by objective parameters and a subjective validated anxiety scale.

BACKGROUND

Mechanical ventilation, although sometimes lifesaving, is often associated with levels of anxiety requiring sedatives, which has inevitable implications on costs and complications.

DESIGN

A randomized controlled trial design.

METHODS

A total of 64 subjects was randomly assigned to undergo either 30 minutes of music intervention or a rest period. The subjects were asked to answer the Chinese State Trait Anxiety Inventory scale before and after the study period and physiological indices and resting behaviours were recorded before and after the study period in both groups. The subjects' satisfaction with music was also obtained after music intervention.

RESULTS

The findings indicate that patients on mechanical ventilation that listened to a single 30-minute session of music appeared to show greater relaxation as manifested by a decrease in physiological indices and an increase in comfortable resting behaviours.

CONCLUSION

Music can provide an effective method of reducing potentially harmful physiological responses arising from anxiety in mechanically ventilated patients.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

As indicated by the results of this study, music therapy can act as a simple and safe nursing intervention to allay anxiety and promote patient comfort. Interest and comments on music therapy provided as a relaxation technique should be elicited from both nurses and patients.

Reflections on pain management: a case study

This article discusses issues relating to pain management at the end of life. Through reflections on a case study of a single patient many aspects of pain management are highlighted. These include difficulties in assessing pain, the need to respect patient autonomy, out-of-hours concerns and the possible role of integrated care pathways. The need to be aware of the potential value of non-pharmaceutical approaches is also discussed.

Music interventions for people with dementia: a review of the literature

This paper provides a qualitative review of 21 published articles of clinical empirical studies looking at the effects of a variety of music activities on the emotional and behavioural responses in people with dementia. General information is reviewed such as the setting and context of studies, research findings and explanatory variables. Methodological issues are also discussed, particularly in relation to observational methods, and theoretical frameworks such as the progressively lowered stress threshold model are evaluated. Music appears to have a range of applications in dementia care but previous reviews have highlighted methodological weaknesses of studies. Recommendations for future research include the use of continuous time sampling methodology and to record the duration of observed behaviours. This review paper also argues for the use of Kitwood's theory of personhood as a framework to inform and guide future research.

Evaluating the Effects of Music on Dyspnea During Exercise in Individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Pilot Study

In this study, we examined the effects of music on the dyspnea and anxiety experienced by people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) when they are walking. A crossover design was used. Patients walked for 10 minutes without music and for 10 minutes while listening to music. The order of the interventions was determined by chance. The levels of perceived dyspnea (modified Borg scale) and anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-State) were measured at baseline (before a 6-minute walk), at pretest (after that walk and before the 10-minute walks), and after the walks. Thirty subjects with a mean age of 70 +/- 7 years participated in the study. There were no differences in dyspnea or anxiety levels between the walks with music and with no music (p > 0.05). Despite some positive trends, this study did not provide conclusive evidence to support the efficacy of listening to music during exercise; further research is needed to support this intervention.

Complementary and alternative therapies: what is their place in the management of chronic pain?

Nurses have used complementary therapies for many years to relieve anxiety, promote comfort, and reduce or alleviate pain. The therapies described in this article are examples of the many therapies available for nurses to consider when planning care for patients with chronic pain. The increasing body of scientific knowledge is providing more guidance about the efficacy of specific therapies. As with all interventions, ongoing evaluation about the effectiveness of a therapy for each patient is an important component of quality nursing care. Complementary therapies provide an avenue for nurses to be autonomous in furthering the relief of chronic pain, as many of these therapies fall within the domain of nursing. Incorporating selected therapies into the plan of care provides multiple opportunities for nurses to demonstrate caring, a premier characteristic of nursing. A number of the complementary therapies, such as journaling, hand massage, and imagery, can be taught to patients and their families, thus promoting self-care. Anecdotal evidence and findings from numerous smaller studies provide some support for the use of many complementary therapies to manage chronic pain or their use as adjuncts in the treatment regimen. Still, the nurse must weigh the risks and benefits before suggesting a therapy to a patient. Evaluating the effectiveness of the complementary therapy to promote comfort in patients with chronic pain is essential. Obtaining this information is not only critical to the care of a particular patient, but these data will assist nurses in learning more about specific therapies. Most importantly, nurses need to pursue research to further the scientific basis for many of the complementary therapies.

The effects of music on clients with learning disabilities: a literature review

The aim of this paper was to promote the use of musical interventions with clients with learning disabilities. Musical interventions with this group of clients were found to be effective in reducing self-injurious behaviour, aggression and other behaviour, which challenge the service providers. Music was also found to have the potential to improve the communication skills of clients and to maintain their psychological well being. A review of the literature shows that music, though not widely used in the field of learning disabilities, can be an effective medium through which the quality of life of clients can be enhanced.