Self-Reported Efficacy of ICU Music Interventions

An article in the June issue of the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management looks at the effect of music on pain reduction. For more information, click here to see PAINWeek experts on the topic of music therapy.

Multimodal analgesic approaches are recommended for intensive care unit (ICU) pain management. Although music is known to reduce pain in acute and chronic care settings, less is known about its effectiveness in the adult ICU.

Methods: This review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42018106889). Databases were searched for randomized controlled trials of music interventions in the adult ICU, with the search terms [“music*” and (“critical care” or “intensive care”)]. Pain scores (i.e., self-report rating scales or behavioral scores) were the main outcomes of this review. Data were analyzed using a DerSimonian-Laird random-effects method with standardized mean difference (SMD) of pain scores. Statistical heterogeneity was determined as I² > 50% and explored via subgroup analyses and meta-regression.

Results: Eighteen randomized controlled trials with a total of 1173 participants (60% males; mean age 60 years) were identified. Ten of these studies were included...

 

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