Introducing Therapeutic Music as an Alternative Therapy to Reduce Anxiety in the Emergency Department

Purpose: This quality improvement project evaluated the feasibility of implementing therapeutic music in the emergency department (ED) to decrease anxiety levels by 10% over three months at a hospital in West Houston. Background: Anxiety in the ED can exacerbate patient conditions and lead to increased use of anxiolytic drugs. Prior studies suggest that therapeutic music is effective in lowering anxiety across clinical settings. Anxiety in emergency department settings can negatively impact patient outcomes and increase reliance on pharmacological treatments. Evidence from previous research has demonstrated that therapeutic music interventions can significantly reduce anxiety, making it a promising non-pharmacological approach. However, its implementation in the ED has been limited. Methodology: The project enrolled thirty-two adult participants experiencing anxiety in the ED. Participants selected therapeutic music from pre-approved genres and listened for 30 minutes. Anxiety levels were measured pre-and post-intervention using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Vital signs, including heart rate and blood pressure, were monitored. Data analysis employed standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals. The project utilized the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle for implementation and evaluation. Results: The intervention led to a significant reduction in anxiety levels, with an SMD of -0.45 (95% CI: -0.70 to -0.20). Participants reported improved satisfaction, citing a calming effect of the music. Post-intervention, vital signs indicated reduced heart rate and blood pressure, suggesting physiological benefits. Implications: This quality improvement project demonstrates that therapeutic music is a feasible, sustainable, and effective non-pharmacological intervention to reduce anxiety in the ED. Its integration into emergency care can enhance patient experiences and outcomes. Future research should focus on the long-term effects, scalability, and application in diverse patient populations and emergency care settings.