The effects of music in nursing care of pain management

Abstract

This thesis examines the role of music as a non-pharmacological intervention in the management of pain within nursing care environments. The management of pain remains a cornerstone of patient care, yet conventional approaches, including pharmacological treatments, may be accompanied by adverse effects and exhibit limited effectiveness in certain patient demographics. Music therapy, identified as a supplementary intervention, has been studied for its potential to alleviate pain perception and advance patient well-being. This study seeks to integrate existing research regarding the influence of music on pain levels among individuals receiving nursing care, examining mechanisms through which music may modulate pain perception and what variables might contribute to its efficacy.

Through a descriptive literature review, this thesis evaluates findings from primary research studies, systematic reviews, and clinical trials that investigate the impact of music on pain management across various nursing care contexts.

The outcomes suggest that music therapy can substantially lower pain levels, enhance patient satisfaction, and potentially reduce the reliance on analgesics when utilised in conjunction with traditional treatments. Nonetheless, the effectiveness of music interventions exhibits variability contingent upon the clinical setting, patient demographics, and selection of musical compositions.

The results support the merging of music into standard nursing practices providing a sensible, cost-efficient, and low-risk strategy to improve pain management outcomes. Future in-depth research is required to discover ways of further tailoring these interventions to patient needs.