Intensive care unit patients' experiences of receiving music therapy sessions during invasive procedures: A qualitative phenomenological study

Abstract

Abstract Background Excessive noise in intensive care units poses a significant challenge, impacting both patients and staff by elevating stress, disrupting recovery, and impeding effective communication among healthcare professionals. Despite the World Health Organization recommending noise levels below 35 dB, alarms in these units often surpass these limits, contributing to consistently high noise levels. Objectives The aim of this study is to explore intensive care unit patients' experiences with music therapy sessions during invasive procedures. Methods This study was conducted using a qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological methodology grounded in Heideggerian philosophy. Interventions were conducted with a music therapist, and 14 in-depth interviews were collected. Reflexive inductive thematic analysis was performed. Results/Findings From the thematic analysis extracted from the 14 personal interviews, three themes were described that represent the bulk of the experiences and emotions of the study participants following the completion of the music therapy sessions. The most noteworthy results are described in the following, organised according to each theme: (i) music therapy against noise, sounds, and light; (ii) music therapy in the face of invasive tests and techniques; and (iii) music therapy as a strategy and tool. Conclusions Music therapy has significant potential to enhance the quality of life for patients in the intensive care unit. Music therapy can promote relaxation, reduce stress and anxiety, alleviate pain and discomfort, and improve emotional and physical wellbeing during patients' stay and invasive procedures.