A recent study conducted in Bangkok demonstrates that integrating music therapy with standard pain management significantly reduces pain and anxiety levels in patients with non-trauma-related conditions in the emergency department (ED).
The randomized controlled trial included 63 adult participants, averaging 58 years old, who visited the ED between 2023 and 2024. These patients, all of whom had stable vital signs and non-surgical issues, were divided into two groups: one receiving standard care with music therapy (31 patients) and the other receiving standard care alone (32 patients). The study’s design allowed researchers to assess the effects of music therapy on patients experiencing pain.
To evaluate the outcomes, researchers employed pre- and post-session questionnaires that measured pain intensity, anxiety levels, quality of service in the ED, and patient satisfaction. Results showed that the group receiving music therapy experienced a substantial reduction in mean pain scores, with a decrease of 1.52 points compared to just 0.09 points in the control group (P = .002).
Anxiety scores also dropped significantly in the music therapy group, showing a mean reduction of 1.87 points compared to 0.44 points in the control group (P = .026). Notably, patients suffering from non-trauma-related pain reported even more pronounced decreases in both pain and anxiety levels compared to those with trauma-related pain (P < .001 for pain and P = .019 for anxiety).
While overall satisfaction scores between the two groups were similar, the group that received music therapy rated the quality of ED services higher (P = .001).
The findings indicate that music therapy, when combined with traditional pain relief methods, can effectively alleviate discomfort and anxiety for patients in emergency settings, especially for those with non-trauma-related issues. The authors of the study emphasized the importance of tailoring the implementation of music therapy to fit various clinical environments and available resources.
Despite these promising results, the study faced several limitations, including its single-center design, limited sample size, and lack of blinding. Environmental elements such as the ED’s atmosphere, overcrowding, and noise may have also played a role in the outcomes. Furthermore, prior use of analgesics before arriving at the ED could have influenced the reported levels of pain and anxiety.
The research was led by Chuenruthai Angkoontassaneeyarat from the Faculty of Medicine at Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, and was published in the International Journal of Emergency Medicine on April 11, 2025. No funding information was disclosed, and the authors reported no conflicts of interest.
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