Effect of single session receptive music therapy on hospitalized Covid-19 patients

Effect of single session receptive music therapy on anxiety and vital parameters in hospitalized Covid-19 patients: a randomized controlled trial

Hospitalized patients are extremely isolated from their families for a long and uncertain period of time. They remain in an undefined mental space left to wonder if this is a temporary separation or a step towards death that could take place without family or loved ones by their side.

This traumatic separation makes patients vulnerable to different degrees of stress disorders as well as depression and anxiety, fear of the unknown and dying, sleeplessness, agitation, discomfort, pain, immobility, frustration, and inability to relax.

Music can be used as a complementary/non-pharmacological intervention to reduce anxiety and stress during hospitalization in different ways.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of introducing Music therapy on-site with Covid-19 patients and investigate the immediate effects a single session has on anxiety, heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation (O2Sat), and satisfaction compared to standard care.

A randomized controlled trial of 40 patients was conducted. Participants were assigned to the control group (CG) or the treatment group (MG).

MG compared to CG had statistically significantly higher values of O2Sat. A single session of music therapy improves O2Sat and can significantly reduce anxiety.

This study provides important preliminary data that support and encourage the integration of music therapy into clinical practice. Despite the difficulties of working conditions and despite the absence in the literature of experiences of music therapy on-site with covid patients, this study demonstrates the feasibility of introducing music therapy as an important form of support provided in unexpected and unpredictable extreme situations, when applied appropriately and judiciously.

Published: 24 February 2022

source:

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-07085-8

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-07085-8