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A systematic review of music-based interventions for procedural support
Olivia Swedberg Yinger1, Lori F Gooding2
1University of Kentucky Olivia.yinger@uky.edu.
Journal of Music Therapy
|April 17, 2015
Summary
Music interventions may reduce anxiety and pain during medical procedures, but more high-quality research is needed. This review highlights the need for clearer definitions and better study designs for music therapy and music medicine.
Area of Science:
- Medical Interventions
- Psychological Health
- Evidence-Based Practice
Background:
- Medical procedures often cause pain and anxiety in patients.
- Music-based interventions show promise for symptom relief.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the effects of music therapy and music medicine on pain and anxiety in patients undergoing medical procedures.
- To assess the quality and risk of bias in existing music intervention studies.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of randomized controlled trials.
- Included studies focused on patient-reported pain/anxiety during procedures.
- Assessed study quality using the Checklist to Evaluate a Report of a Nonpharmacological Trial (CLEAR-NPT).
Main Results:
- Fifty studies met inclusion criteria; 84% had a high risk of bias.
- Meta-analysis was not possible due to study heterogeneity.
- 48% of studies showed reduced anxiety; 36% showed reduced pain with music interventions.
Conclusions:
- Clearer definitions are needed for music therapy vs. music medicine in research.
- Further research should identify optimal patient groups and interventions.
- Improved study design and reporting are crucial to reduce bias and enhance research quality.
