Music Therapy as a Part of Routine Care in Critically Ill Children

Pain is a common symptom in patients admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) – due to injury or illness. 

A new crossover randomized controlled trial assessed the effectiveness of music therapy in reducing pain during daily personal hygiene care (DPHC) in critically ill children in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). 

This study included fifty critically ill children and used a crossover design with random ordering of passive music therapy and standard conditions. Pain assessment was conducted through the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry Consolability (FLACC) score, heart rate, respiratory rate, mean arterial blood pressure, and analgesic or sedative drug administration. 

The results showed that in standard conditions, the FLACC score increased significantly during DPHC, indicating pain. However, the FLACC score showed smaller increases with music therapy, suggesting reduced pain during DPHC. Moreover, the rate of severe pain (FLACC score >4) during DPHC was significantly lower with music therapy. 

It was concluded that music therapy effectively improves analgesia for critically ill children undergoing DPHC. This nonpharmacological approach should be considered a systematic method to enhance pain relief in critically ill children during daily care and procedural interventions.

Source: Mounier S, Cambonie G, Baleine J, Le Roux M, Bringuier S, Milési C. The Journal of Pediatrics. 2023 Sep 16:113736.