Music Intervention for Dialysis Patients to Evaluate Effects of Live Versus Pre-recorded Music on Pain, Itch, Anxiety, Depression, and Quality of Life

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating how live and pre-recorded music interventions affect the negative experiences of patients undergoing dialysis, focusing on pain, itching, anxiety, depression, and quality of life. This study responds to the high prevalence of diabetes-related kidney failure in Singapore and aims to fill a local research gap by comparing these two music approaches. The trial is led by the National University of Singapore and is the first of its kind internationally to compare live versus pre-recorded music effects in this patient group. Participants will attend their regular dialysis sessions over four weeks. In the first week, baseline data on pain, itch, mental health, and quality of life will be collected. During the second week, patients will listen to live music performed by the TENG ensemble for 45 minutes to one hour during dialysis. In weeks three and four, the process will repeat with pre-recorded music instead. Each participant will have six research visits, including three baseline and three intervention sessions, and the study involves two dialysis centers in Singapore. During the study, researchers will gather pain and itch ratings using a simple 10-point scale, as well as mental health measures from the WHO-5 Wellbeing Index and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21). Data will be collected at specific times in relation to the music sessions and dialysis treatments. The study also monitors adherence to the intervention, with a research assistant present during sessions to ensure proper music delivery. The results aim to show how music interventions may help reduce dialysis side effects and improve quality of life.

Music Intervention for Dialysis Patients