Music Therapy in the Intensive Care Unit: an Example of the Use of the “U” Sequence

Abstract

Improving the quality of care in nursing practice is facilitated by the use of innovative and complementary therapies that are not associated with adverse events. Thus, hypnosis and relaxation therapy, such as music therapy, are some of the non-pharmacological therapies now recommended by the French Authority for Healthcare. In critically ill patients, some studies have shown the effectiveness of these therapies in decreasing pain intensity and stressful burden, as well as improving vital signs, especially cardiovascular and respiratory parameters. However, lack of time in everyday practice in intensive care units (ICUs) working with high nurse to patient ratios, and consecutive lack of staff training are frequent barriers precluding the implementation of good practice. The specificities of the intensive care unit (ICU) setting require an adaptation for these therapies. The objective of this article is to focus on music therapy in the ICU and the possibility to implement a feasible method for nursing care in this setting, where emergency care when vital prognosis is compromised remains a priority.