Music Therapy and Pain Relief in Oncology

Einstein, 7.2, (2009), pp. 147-151

http://apps.einstein.br/revista/arquivos/PDF/842-Einsteinv7n2p147-51_ing.pdf

Music therapy in relief of pain in oncology patients

Authors: Franco, Mariana ; Rodrigues, Andrea Bezerra

Abstract (Summary):

Objective: To evaluate the perception of oncology patients with chronic pain as to the effects of music in alleviating pain, to identify if there are changes in the vital signs of these patients before and after the musicotherapy session, and to identify whether the intensity of pain is diminished after the music session as per an analogic scale of pain. Methods: This level II, descriptive-exploratory and cross-sectional study used a quantitative and qualitative approach. The sample consisted of ten oncology patients with chronic pain. Results: There was a reduction in vital signs and in intensity of pain in ten patients of the sample; after the music sessions, the patients reported a sensation of relief of pain, relaxation, and a belief in the power of music as a supplementary therapy. Conclusions: Music showed an influence in reducing vital signs and pain intensity, and the patients perceived a reduction of pain and anxiety, and began to believe in music as a form of therapy.