Transporting patients between healthcare facilities may be stressful. Researchers from New York Medical College, in Valhalla studied whether playing music during critical care transport reduces patient anxiety.

First, the details.

• Music was played for 102 adult patients during critical care transport while recording vital signs.
• A survey on the experience was then mailed to patients.
• Vital signs were compared between respondents who perceived transport as stressful and those who did not.

And, the results.

• 23 patients responded to the survey.
• 19 (83%) rated transport as not stressful.
• 4 (18%) reported transport was stressful.
• Subjectively, patients reported a positive impact of music on transport, with improved comfort and relaxation but only a minimal decrease in anxiety.
• No statistically significant change in vital signs was observed between cohorts.
• Too few patients were enrolled to permit statistical testing.

The bottom line?
The authors concluded, “Music therapy is a simple adjunct for use during critical care transport that may increase patient comfort and alleviate anxiety.”

It’s a small study, but probably worth repeating in a larger group.

Come to think of it, considering the violence reported on school buses nowadays, maybe music should be studied there as well.

3/11/09 18:12 JR