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'Nurses' Assessment and Perception of Live Music in the Intensive Care Unit: A Convergent Mixed-Methods Study
Linette Thorn1, Anna Holm1, Trine Højfeldt Lund1
1Department of Intensive Care, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
Background:
Live music interventions in hospital settings have been shown to alleviate anxiety, reduce pain and enhance patient well-being-not only for patients but also for healthcare professionals working in high-stress environments such as intensive care units (ICUs). However, limited research has explored ICU nurses' experiences of live music.
Aim:
The aim of this study was to describe nurses' personal and professional assessment and perception of patient-tailored live music in the ICU.
Study Design:
A convergent mixed-methods study was conducted at a Danish university hospital. Quantitative data were collected via a content-validated questionnaire among ICU nurses (n = 221; response rate 72%), while qualitative data were obtained through semistructured interviews with a purposive sample of nurses (n = 7). Data were analysed separately and merged during interpretation.
Results:
Nurses perceived live music as a valuable, emotionally resonant and professionally enriching intervention. Questionnaire results showed high levels of agreement that live music was meaningful (M = 1.56, SD = 0.75) and a positive experience (M = 1.39, SD = 0.59). The qualitative survey responses and interview data were analysed into three main categories and four subcategories: (1) Nurses' personal experience-an emotional breath of fresh air and an intense and meaningful atmosphere; (2) nurses' professional experience-bringing people together and bringing spirit, energy and motivation into care; and (3) the nurse as a gatekeeper shielding the patient.
Conclusions:
Live music in the ICU appears to benefit not only patients but also nurses, by supporting emotional well-being and enhancing the quality of care. It may serve as a holistic intervention that strengthens both the personal and professional dimensions of nursing practice.
Relevance To Clinical Practice:
Live music is a feasible and meaningful addition to ICU care. Nurses' active involvement is essential to ensure interventions remain sensitive to patient needs and clinical context. Collaboration with specially trained professional musicians may further enhance effective and sustainable implementation.
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