Actively Recruiting
Differences in Acceptability of Music Therapy Sessions Played Live Compared to a Recording Thereof
Led by University of Zurich · Updated on 2025-07-11
25
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
12 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating the differences in feasibility and acceptability between live music therapy sessions and listening to recordings of the same music in patients receiving palliative care at the University Hospital Zurich. The study focuses on patients with advanced or incurable diseases, such as terminal cancer, aiming to support evidence-based medicine by combining objective measures of autonomic nervous system responses with subjective assessments of psychological well-being. This research addresses the growing interest in using music therapy as a complementary treatment to improve quality of life in palliative care settings. Participants will experience two study visits where they will receive music therapy either live, played by a trained music therapist, or through a recording of the same music. The order is randomized, with half receiving live music first and the other half listening to the recording first. Each therapy session lasts about 20 minutes, delivered individually. During the sessions, participants will wear a wristband device that tracks multiple physiological signals, including heart rate, heart rate variability, skin conductance, and body temperature, to measure autonomic response. Throughout the study, participants will complete validated questionnaires assessing quality of life, symptoms, anxiety, and depression before and after each intervention. Researchers will also collect qualitative feedback to understand patient experience. The primary outcome is the acceptability of each music therapy format. The study involves minimal risk, with standard care procedures and noninvasive monitoring. Participation includes two visits with therapy sessions, physiological monitoring, and questionnaire completion, aiming to improve understanding of music therapy’s impact on palliative care patients.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Differences in Acceptability of Music Therapy Sessions Played Live Compared to a Recording Thereof
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age over 18 years old
- Ability to provide informed consent
- Diagnosis of metastatic cancer or severe illness with limited life expectancy
- Current patient on the palliative care ward at the University Hospital Zurich
You will not qualify if you...
- Inability to answer questionnaires due to physical, cognitive, or language limitations
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 screening and enrollment visit
Duration - 2 visits over a short period
Participants receive two music therapy sessions involving either live music played by a therapist or a recording, to assess acceptability and effects on wellbeing.
2 visits (in-person) with one session of music therapy each
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University Hospital Zurich
Zurich, Canton of Zurich, Switzerland, 8091
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
D
David Blum, Prof.Dr.med.
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Number of Arms
2
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