First study of music therapy in organ transplant patients
Organ transplant recipients experience high levels of anxiety, pain, and nausea.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota, conducted the first study on the effects of music therapy on solid organ transplant patients.
First, the details.
- 58 patients received an individualized 15- to 35-minute music therapy session consisting of live patient-preferred music and therapeutic social interaction.
- Participants’ ranked their levels of anxiety, relaxation, pain, and nausea on 10-point scales.
- The researcher observed affect and verbalization.
And, the results.
- There were significant improvements in self-reported levels of relaxation, anxiety, pain, and nausea.
- There were significant increases in positive verbalization and positive affect.
- All participants reported that they would desire music therapy again during a future long-term hospital stay.
The bottom line?
The authors concluded, “It seems that music therapy can be a viable psychosocial intervention for hospitalized postoperative solid transplant patients.”
Too bad there was no placebo group for comparisons. Maybe next time.
2/13/11 22:56 JR