Effect of Self-Chosen Music in Alleviating the Burden on Family Caregivers of Patients with Advanced Cancer: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Abstract

The experience of caregiver burden among family members of patients with advanced cancer is a common problem. The aim of this study was to determine whether the burden may be alleviated by means of a therapeutic approach based on self-chosen music. This randomised controlled trial (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04052074. Registered 9 August 2019) included 82 family caregivers of patients receiving home palliative care for advanced cancer. The intervention group (n = 41) listened to pre-recorded, self-chosen music for 30 min/day for seven consecutive days, while the control group (n = 41) listened to a recording of basic therapeutic education at the same frequency. The degree of burden was assessed by the Caregiver Strain Index (CSI), calculated before and after the seven-day intervention. According to this measure, caregiver burden fell significantly in the intervention group (CSI change: −0.56, SD 2.16) but increased in the control group (CSI change: +0.68, SD 1.47), with a significant group x moment interaction F(1, 80) = 9.30, p = 0.003, η2p = 0.11. These results suggest that, in the short term at least, the use of therapy based on self-chosen music alleviates the burden on family caregivers of palliative cancer patients. Moreover, this therapy is easy to administer at home and does not present any problems in practice.

Effects of Music on the Quality of Life of Family Caregivers of Terminal Cancer Patients: A Randomised Controlled Trial

“…Indeed, we previously proposed this complementary music intervention as a useful strategy to reduce caregiver burden among these participants, suggesting its potential as a short-term relief strategy in family caregivers of palliative-care cancer patients [32]. However, the relationship between burden and quality of life is not consistent.…”

“…We recently published a scientific article of this short-term trial [32], suggesting that using self-chosen music significantly reduced caregiver burden among family caregivers of patients with advanced cancer. While burden focuses on the negative aspects of caregiving, such as the level of strain, stress, and disruptions to the caregiver's life, quality of life provides a broader perspective that includes positive aspects, such as personal fulfilment, social support, and the caregiver's ability to find meaning in their caregiving role.…”

Enfermagem E Cuidado Paliativo Oncológico Em Uma Instituição De Referência (2005 - 2006)

“…Essa estratégia foi importante porque a espiritualidade desempenha um papel fundamental para o cuidado, pela sua definição como uma jornada de autodescoberta e de busca pelo sagrado, significado e propósito da vida. Os pacientes vivenciam o processo da doença, cuidado e morte de acordo com seus valores, crenças, cultura e experiências, pois, os sintomas, no câncer avançado, pioram ao passo que a doença progride, impactando pacientes e cuidadores familiares 14 .…”

Oncology Nursing and Palliative Care in a Reference Institution (2005 - 2006)

“…This strategy was important because spirituality plays a fundamental role in care, as it is defined as a self-discovery path and a search for the sacred, meaning and purpose of life. The patients experience the disease, care and death process according to their values, beliefs, culture and experiences, as symptoms in advanced cancer worsen with progression of the disease, exerting impacts on patients and family caregivers 14 .…”