Facilitated music listening: Music therapy in an invasive cardiac procedure

Abstract

This article presents and discusses a clinical music therapy protocol for use during an invasive cardiac procedure and the theoretical rationale behind it. The protocol was developed for a specific invasive cardiac procedure performed transvenously with local anaesthesia: cardiac implantable electronic device lead extraction. The music listening intervention presented in the protocol aims to optimise stress and pain management for patients through patient involvement, communication, individualised music listening and relaxation techniques. The Music Therapist remains present throughout the peri-operative phase (in the operating theatre during the operation). The music is chosen from a limited set of prepared playlists through a process involving assessment and patient preference. Biological, psychological and social components are integrated into the protocol, which is also informed by the theory of music therapy as procedural support, the neuromatrix theory of pain and receptive music therapy techniques. The protocol was developed to be standardised for implementation into the existing medical procedure, yet flexible enough to meet individual patient needs. It is the cornerstone of the research protocol of an ongoing randomised controlled trial at the Department of Cardiology at Oslo University Hospital Ulleval. Results of the randomised controlled trial, focussing on quantitative efficacy outcomes, are expected in 2020.

Music therapy in invasive cardiac procedures: Expanded perspective

“…Patient reflections referring directly to elements of the intervention shed light on the ways in which experiences from the preparatory phase reinforced familiarity and recognition through music listening and supportive guidance the next day. Hence, the intentional facilitative aspect of the intervention (Blichfeldt-Ærø et al, 2019) was substantiated as useful by the patients. In sum, FaMuLi provided an appreciated regulatory support structure and respite from stressors in the ongoing medical procedure, which may explain the general decrease in anxiety levels across all patients.…”

“…In order to facilitate transparency regarding the origin and context of the data used in this supplementary analysis, a brief description of the original study is included in the following sections. Further details can be found in earlier publications (Blichfeldt-Ærø et al, 2019, 2020). The study was performed at a single centre (at the Department of Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital Ullevål, Oslo, Norway) in accordance with the CONSORT guidelines, and registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, no.…”

“…Most patients will usually experience some pain and/or anxiety during the procedure despite the given drugs. The music therapy intervention, called Facilitated Music Listening (Blichfeldt-Ærø et al, 2019), included continuity of psychosocial support with individual guidance of music listening before, during, and after the invasive procedure. The main aim of the study was to investigate if music therapy could reduce stress responses for the patients, measured through psychometric- and physiological parameters, and the use of procedure medication.…”

The effect of music therapy on the physical and mental parameters of cancer patients during hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

“…A passive music therapy protocol was used as following based on a literature review. 11,16 A portable computer and a loudspeaker were used in the operating theatre. Music listening started after the patient has been connected to the monitoring equipment during the sterilization process and invasive phase of the HSCT procedure.…”

“…8,9 Psychologically, music can contribute to positive emotions and cope with negative situations. [10][11][12][13][14] The music therapy is divided into active and passive forms. Active form refers to therapy requiring patient participation in performance, while passive music therapy refers to therapy consisting only of listening to music and without participating in performance.…”