Music Therapy for Pain Modification in Pediatric Palliative Care

Overview

The purpose of this within-subjects randomized controlled trial is to determine whether two music therapy interventions are efficacious in reducing pain symptoms, in order to improve the quality of care for children in pediatric hospice. The investigators hypothesize that both music therapy interventions, live guitar and vocal intervention and vibroacoustic intervention, will reduce behavioural pain scores and that behavioural pain scores will correlate with physiological outcome measures.

Effective pain management in pediatric palliative care is a quality of life issue for patients, families and professionals. Current research supports the use of music therapy to assist with pain management in pediatric medical settings. However, little research has been done to explore the use of music therapy for reducing pain in children with life-limiting neurological impairments or metabolic conditions. As the first known project to examine the effects of music therapy on pain symptoms with children who have life-limiting neurological impairments or metabolic disorders, this study will expand the evidence-base for practice with this population. It is imperative that an evidence base for music therapy in this area be established, so that the most effective interventions can be provided to these vulnerable children.

Conditions

Interventions

Eligibility

Locations (1)

Outcomes