Music to Prevent Delirium: A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Personalized and Relaxing Music to Standard Care in Older Adults in the ICU

What this Trial Is About

This research investigates whether listening to music can help prevent delirium in older adults admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). It specifically compares the effects of personalized music and relaxing instrumental music to standard ICU care without study-provided music. The study focuses on the number of days patients are alive and free from delirium or coma during the first seven days after randomization. Participants are randomly assigned to one of three groups: personalized music, relaxing music, or standard care. Those in the music groups listen to music through headphones twice daily (morning and afternoon) for at least 30 minutes over a 7-day period. Personalized music playlists are based on patient or proxy preferences to evoke positive emotions, while relaxing music playlists consist of slow-tempo instrumental tracks without lyrics. The standard care group receives usual ICU care and is asked to avoid music devices during the study period. Throughout the study, participants receive daily assessments for delirium and level of consciousness using validated tools. Research staff monitor adherence to the music sessions and record total music exposure. The primary outcome is the number of days alive and free of delirium and coma within seven days after randomization. Secondary outcomes include incidence and duration of delirium, ICU length of stay, medication use, anxiety levels, physical restraints, and ventilator-free days. The total participation includes up to seven days of intervention and monitoring in the ICU.

Clinical Application of Listening to Music to Prevent Delirium in the Intensive Care Unit