Acceptability and feasibility of music therapy in critical care units: Cross-sectional surveys of patients, families, and healthcare providers

INTRODUCTION: Intensive care units (ICUs) are environments filled with distressing stimuli, where management of critical illnesses creates an overwhelming, stressful experience for patients and care providers. Music therapy (MT), as an allied health profession, may improve ICU patient wellbeing but comes with unique implementation challenges and limited available data. OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to (i) assess the acceptability and feasibility of a pilot MT program from the perspective of ICU patients, families, and healthcare providers (HCPs) and (ii) develop critical care MT survey tools for patients and families. METHODS: In this cross-sectional, descriptive mixed-method survey study, 33 patients, 29 family members, and 39 critical care multidisciplinary staff were surveyed across four academic ICUs regarding their experiences of a once-weekly MT program. RESULTS: HCPs referred to music therapists (MTAs) for goals of improving mood, loneliness, boredom, stress/anxiety, enjoyment, cognition, motivation, family support, expression, or pain. All subgroups (N = 101) indicated high satisfaction (91% and 100% family and patients, respectively) with MT, reporting that the program provided broad emotional support and improved ICU atmosphere (97% staff). Qualitative themes included enjoyment, physical and emotional support, comfort, connection, and the value of MTA expertise. No serious harm was reported, and sessions were well tolerated. Barriers to implementation included lack of HCP knowledge, awareness, and MTA availability to address a full scope of multidisciplinary goals such as weaning from mechanical ventilation and sedation, delirium prevention, and deconditioning. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates a once-weekly MT program to be feasible and well accepted by ICU patients, families, and staff. All groups reported improved mental wellbeing and overall ICU experience. The survey tools developed were useful and easily administered. Increased MTA availability may promote more feasible integration of MT in addressing respiratory and delirium prevention goals.