Music interventions in the paediatric intensive care unit: A scoping review

The objective of this study was to explore and consolidate evidence on music interventions in the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) to inform clinical application and guide future research.

Medline, Embase, PsycINFO (Ovid), CINAHL (Ebsco), and PubMed databases were searched from inception to May 2025. Additional studies were identified through reference and citation searching.

Eligible studies were peer-reviewed primary research articles describing music interventions delivered to children aged 0-18 years in PICU settings. Studies were excluded if music effects could not be isolated or if conducted in neonatal or adult ICUs. Thirty studies were included.

Two reviewers independently screened studies and extracted data using Covidence (Veritas Health Innovation, Melbourne, Australia). Intervention type, setting, population characteristics, and outcome measures were recorded. Qualitative data were analysed using content analysis to identify key themes related to intervention intent and delivery. Physiological and behavioural outcomes were descriptively synthesised.

Music interventions were coded as either music therapy or music medicine. Music therapy interventions were typically delivered live by qualified music therapists and adapted in real time to patient cues. Music medicine interventions involved recorded, preselected calming music, often used during procedures. Descriptive synthesis of outcome data indicated reductions in heart and respiratory rate, improved oxygenation, and decreased behavioural indicators of pain and distress. Qualitative findings suggested benefits for emotional wellbeing, family connection, and the hospital environment. However, inconsistencies in intervention definitions, outcome alignment, and limited attention to cultural or developmental factors constrained interpretation.

Music interventions in the PICU show promising physiological and behavioural effects and are valued by families and clinicians. Standardised terminology, clearer alignment between intervention intent and outcome measures, and culturally responsive, developmentally appropriate research are essential to advance the field.