Music therapy and retinopathy of prematurity screening: using recorded maternal singing and heartbeat for post exam recovery

Objective Explore a music therapy (MT) intervention to support infant recovery post retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) exam. Study design Prospective, double-masked, randomized, parallel group study of 100 preterm infants exposed to MT (recorded maternal singing/heartbeat) or standard care (SC). Premature Infant Pain Profile (PIPP) measured at: baseline, during the exam, and 1 and 5 min post exam. Results Recovery PIPP scores were less with MT vs. SC, but statistical significance not achieved (Mean +/- sd: MT 1 min [5.81 +/- 2.93] and 5 min [3.91 +/- 1.73] vs. SC 1 min [6.40 +/- 2.78] and 5 min [4.76 +/- 2.07],p = 0.07). Recovery PIPP sores were significantly higher with SC compared to MT when eye exams were longer (p = 0.049) or when exams were more painful (p = 0.04). Conclusion Recorded maternal singing and heartbeat can support recovery post ROP exam. For longer/more painful ROP exams, MT may be more effective than SC promoting recovery post exam.