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

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