Effect of Self-Selected Music on Adults' Anxiety and Subjective Experiences During Initial Radiotherapy Treatment: A Randomised Controlled Trial and Qualitative Research

Journal

Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Oncology

Year

2012

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Patients may experience radiotherapy as anxiety provoking, especially during unfamiliar initial treatment. This study examines whether patients' use of self-selected music while undergoing first radiotherapy treatment reduces anxiety, and how patients describe their first radiotherapy experience with or without self-selected music. METHODS: Using quantitative and qualitative methods, 100 participants preparing to commence radiotherapy were assigned to the initial radiotherapy session either with self-selected music or without music. In both participant groups, the Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory measured pre- and post-radiotherapy levels, music preference questions examined future music desires during treatment and a semistructured questionnaire examined additional subjective experiences. RESULTS: Overall, participants were not highly anxious pre-radiotherapy, anxiety decreased in both music and control groups following radiotherapy (P = 0.008) and this change was not different between groups (P = 0.35). However, music group participants were significantly more likely to want music in future radiotherapy sessions (P = 0.007). Some reported a benefit from the music in terms of feeling supported, distracted or that treatment time seemed faster. Participants in both groups often commended helpful staff. Negative reactions were only occasional. CONCLUSIONS: Although preferred music does not reduce anxiety, it can support some patients undergoing initial radiotherapy and departmental staff should invite patients to bring music to radiotherapy, provide music libraries and offer to play patient selected music during treatments.

Music and Health Institute Terms

Anxiety; Cancer; Music Listening; Radiation Therapy; Receptive Music Methods; Symptom Management

Indexed Terms

Prevalence; Choice Behavior; Australia; Causality; Anxiety; Patient Participation; Radiotherapy

Study Type

Mixed Methods

Document Type

Article

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