Implementation of Music Therapy to Reduce Anxiety in ICU Patients

Current practice in intensive care units regarding anxiety commonly results in administration of an anxiolytic, which can potentially increase patient’s time admitted, increase costs due to adverse effects, and decrease patient involvement in care. An analysis of multiple research studies was conducted to explore the best practice for management of anxiety, particularly the implementation of music therapy. Studies have been conducted on the implementation of music therapy to reduce levels of anxiety in patients on intensive care floors. Specifically, extensive research with music therapy has been conducted on patients receiving ventilation in the ICU. Consequentially, these studies have shown that music therapy implemented to ICU patients have reduced levels of anxiety, as well as sedation frequency and costs. This intervention allows for the involvement of patients in their care which would otherwise be greatly reduced due to the administration of anxiolytics. These results indicate there is significant benefits to use music therapy as a non-pharmacologic intervention to reduce anxiety in ICU units. The proposed new anxiety management policy in the ICU promotes the implementation of music therapy. The aim of this music intervention policy is to provide comfort for the patient and decrease unnecessary harm from the adverse effects of anxiolytics. The basis for the new policy is through Florence Nightingale’s Environmental Theory, which places an emphasis that nurse has the responsibility to optimize the patient’s healing through conditioning the environment with the proper noise, light, air, ventilation, sanitation, and variety