A randomized pilot study of music therapy in the form of patient-preferred live music on fatigue, energy and pain in hospitalized adult oncology patients on a blood and marrow transplant unit

Abstract

Introduction: There is a lack of randomized research measuring how music therapy might influence fatigue in oncology patients.

Objective: The purpose of this randomized pilot study was to evaluate the effects of music therapy in the form of patient-preferred live music (PPLM) on fatigue, energy and pain in adults hospitalized on a blood and marrow transplant (BMT) unit.

Method: Participants (n = 35) were randomly assigned to an experimental or wait-list control group and completed the Lee Fatigue Scale and a 10-point Likert-type pain scale at pre- and posttest.

Results: Between-group posttest results were statistically significant for fatigue and pain, with the experimental group having less fatigue and pain than the control group.

Conclusions: PPLM can be a preferred and effective intervention to immediately lessen fatigue and pain without pharmacological intervention. Implications for clinical practice, limitations and suggestions for future research are provided.

Keywords: Music therapy; blood; cancer; marrow; oncology; patient-preferred live music; randomized; transplant.