The Utilization of Music Therapy to Improve Patient Anxiety Level

Mental health conditions such as depression and/or anxiety can be improved through music therapy. In a few studies of patients undergoing invasive procedures, music therapy appeared to reduce depressive symptoms and anxiety levels (Aalbers et al., 2017; Padam et al., 2017). The objective of this clinical quality improvement project was to evaluate the role of music therapy in reducing the anxiety scores among patient with suspected chronic GERD, achalasia, or dysphagia undergoing an invasive procedure such as an esophageal manometry study. The risks to the participants were no different than patients that are currently receiving standard care. Project participants were recruited from our Neurogastroenterology & GI Motility practice. They were all 18 years of age or older, male or female, and had a diagnosis of chronic GERD, suspected achalasia, or dysphagia.
Patients completed the short version of the State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaires (the definitive instruments for measuring anxiety in adults). The objective markers such as vital signs (blood pressure, temperature, heart rate, pulse, and oxygen saturation) were collected before and after the intervention. The focus of data collection was on the essential qualities evaluated by the STAI-State (STAI-S) Anxiety scale, which are feelings of apprehension, tension, nervousness, and worry (Spielberger, 1983). Pre- and post-test scores were analyzed by conducting a paired t-test with the Intellectus statistical program to assess differences in pre- and post-anxiety scores of patients’ receiving “comfort talk” standard care versus music therapy.