Therapeutic Use of Music in Critical Care

摘要

Music therapy is an area that is oftentimes not widely accepted in the highlytechnological environment of the critical care unit. This is unfortunate since music has been an integral part of healing dating back to ancient times. An extensive review of nursing research literature indicates physiological and psychological benefits to music therapy. These benefits include reductions in blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, pain and anxiety, along with increases in tolerance levels for patients suffering from acute and chronic pain. The effectiveness of this intervention is dependent upon how well the individual can relate to the music selection. Music therapy promotes a holistic approach to patient care that the critical care Clinical Nurse Specialist can incorporate into the health care team through advanced practice, education, consultation, research and managerial roles. Music therapy is not to be viewed as an alternative to traditional healing modalities but as a complementary addition to standard nursing practice.