The effect of music on pain in mechanically ventilated patients: A Systematic review

Background Mechanical ventilation is one of the most important supportive treatments used in critically patient care. The majority of patients dependent on mechanical ventilation experience pain. There are little data on the effect of music on pain in mechanically ventilated patients. Aim The aim of this review is to determine the effect of music on pain in patients connected to mechanical ventilation. Methods The protocol of this systematic review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024548456) and PRISMA guidelines were followed in reporting the study. The search was conducted in Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus and Cochrane Library databases without year limitation. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were created considering the PICOS criteria. The selection of studies and the quality assessment of the studies reviewed were made by two independent researchers. The reviewed articles were analysed with the data extraction form developed by the researchers. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute tool. Results Ten studies (n = 603) were included in the scope of the review. In the majority of the included studies, it was found that music had positive effects on reducing pain in patients connected to mechanical ventilation. The studies included in the review showed differences in terms of sample size, music duration, type, and evaluation tools. Studies have not found any harmful effects of music application on patients. Conclusion In the studies included in this systematic review, it was determined that music had a positive effect on reducing pain in patients connected to mechanical ventilation. Relevance to Clinical Practice Managing pain in patients receiving mechanical ventilated support is extremely crucial, and considering the study results, it is thought that it is necessary to include music intervention in intensive care. As music intervention is easy, safe and economical, it can be incorporated into nursing care by intensive care nurses.