Music interventions for mechanically ventilated patients

Bradt J, Dileo C, Grocke D. Music interventions for mechanically ventilated patients. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2010, Issue 12. Art. No.: CD006902. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006902.pub2

http://summaries.cochrane.org/CD006902/music-interventions-for-mechanically-ventilated-patients

Mechanical ventilation often causes major distress and anxiety in patients, putting them at greater risk for complications. Side effects of analgesia and sedation may lead to the prolongation of mechanical ventilation and, subsequently, to a longer length of hospitalization and increased cost. Therefore, non-pharmacological interventions should be considered for anxiety and stress management. This review included eight randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials with a total of 213 participants. The findings suggest that music listening may have a beneficial effect on heart rate, respiratory rate, and state anxiety in mechanically ventilated patients.

No evidence of effect was found for blood pressure or oxygen saturation level. However, only a small number of trials investigated the effects of music on these outcomes. More research is needed.

The vast majority of the studies examined the effects of patients’ listening to pre-recorded music. More research is needed on the effects of music offered by a trained music therapist.