Musical Intervention in Medical Imaging

Patients undergoing imaging procedures often experience psychological distress and discomfort. In response to this challenge, researchers have explored the effectiveness of musical intervention (MI) in alleviating patient anxiety and improving overall comfort during medical imaging.

A recent systematic review (SR) and meta-analysis (MA) sought to evaluate the impact of MI on psychophysiological outcomes in this context. The SR included thirteen articles, which were assessed for quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Checklist. This study was published in the journal Radiography by L. Vieira and colleagues.

Across the studies, MI was commonly delivered through digital playlists, with headphones being the preferred medium. The average volume ranged from 50 to 60 dB, and the musical frequency typically fell between 60 and 80 beats per minute. While no specific music repertoire emerged as the most effective, some articles cited Johann Pachelbel's "Canon in D major" as a preferred musical theme.

• Results from the meta-analysis revealed that patients exposed to MI exhibited lower levels of anxiety and heart rate compared to control groups.
• Furthermore, anxiety levels continued to decrease following MI, contributing to an overall improvement in patient comfort and examination experience.
• Notably, the experimental group demonstrated a significant reduction in heart rate, particularly in the final phase of the examination, suggesting sustained benefits from MI intervention.

In conclusion, MI presents itself as a promising strategy for enhancing patient comfort and reducing anxiety during medical imaging procedures. Despite the absence of a universally effective music repertoire, the flexibility of MI allows for customization based on patient preferences.

Implementing MI protocols in imaging departments can contribute to a more positive patient experience and potentially improve examination outcomes. This cost-effective and side-effect-free intervention offers healthcare providers a valuable tool for addressing the psychological and emotional challenges faced by patients undergoing medical imaging.

Reference

Vieira, L., Carvalho, C., Grilo, A., Reis, J., Pires, A. F., Pereira, E., Carolino, E., & Almeida-Silva, M. Effects of a music-based intervention on psychophysiological outcomes of patients undergoing medical imaging procedures: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Radiography (London, England: 1995), 2024;30(2):589–604. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radi.2024.01.014