Study of Live Environmental Music Therapy and Pre-recorded Music to Reduce Anxiety, Stress, Pain, and Improve Well-being in Adults in Emergency Waiting Areas

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the impact of live Environmental Music Therapy EMT and pre-recorded music on stress, anxiety, pain, and well-being levels among adult patients and their caregivers waiting in emergency unit areas at two hospitals in Colombia. This multi-center randomized clinical trial aims to improve mental health and quality of care in these settings, addressing the current limited evidence on musics effects in emergency waiting rooms. The study uses the six-item State-Trait Anxiety Inventory STAI-6 as the primary outcome and includes measurements of pain, stress, and well-being as secondary outcomes. The trial has three groups standard care plus live EMT, standard care plus pre-recorded music, and standard care alone. EMT involves live improvised music played with instruments like acoustic guitar, ocean drum, and Samafon, lasting about 20 minutes with gradual volume reduction. The pre-recorded music uses the same instruments and style as the live therapy but is delivered via recording. The control group receives usual care without music interventions. Participants will complete questionnaires measuring anxiety, stress, pain patients only, and well-being before and immediately after the 20-minute intervention. The study ensures random assignment concealment using sealed envelopes opened shortly before the intervention. Researchers will compare changes in these measures across groups to determine the effects of live and pre-recorded music therapy in emergency waiting areas.

Music Therapy and Pre-recorded Music on Patients and Caregivers in the Emergency Unit