The Effect of Music on Fear and Anxiety of Children During Tomography: A Randomized Controlled Double-Blind Study

Abstract

Aim

This study was conducted to determine the effect of a musical intervention during computed tomography (CT) on fear, anxiety and vital signs of children.

Method

This randomized, double-blind controlled trial was conducted according to the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Studies (CONSORT) guidelines. The study sample included children aged between 6 and 10 years who met the inclusion criteria and underwent CT scan in the emergency department of a public hospital in eastern Turkey between 18 April and 20 May 2023. The research was completed with a total of 60 children, randomized to one of two groups. The nursing intervention of the study was playing music. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using the Child and Family Information Form, the Children's Fear Scale (CFS), Children's Anxiety Meter-State (CAM-S) and the Vital Signs Monitoring Form (pulse, blood pressure and oxygen saturation). Ethical principles were followed in the research.

Results

The level of fear, anxiety, pulse rate and respiratory rate of the children in the musical intervention group during CT scanning were lower than in the control group (p < 0.05). No difference was found between the groups in terms of oxygen saturation (p < 0.05).

Conclusion and Recommendations for Implementation

The results of this study suggest that musical intervention during CT scanning in children is effective in reducing the level of fear and anxiety and stabilizing vital signs. By using such nonpharmacologic methods, nurses can provide support to children and alleviate emotional difficulties during procedures.

Trial Registration: NCT06086509

Summary

What is already known about this topic?

• Music therapy is recognized as an effective nonpharmacologic intervention to reduce fear and anxiety in paediatric patients undergoing medical procedures.
• Previous studies have shown that musical intervention during CT scans can calm children, potentially reducing the need for sedation and improving compliance.
• Knowledge gaps remain regarding the specific effects of music on physiological parameters like pulse and respiratory rates during paediatric CT scans.

What this paper adds?

• This study demonstrates that musical intervention during CT scans significantly reduces fear and anxiety levels in children aged 6–10 years.
• The research findings show that music intervention can also stabilize vital signs, such as pulse and respiratory rates, during CT scans, suggesting a relaxed physiological state.
• The results support the idea that incorporating music into paediatric imaging procedures can enhance patient comfort and improve the quality of the imaging process by encouraging children to remain still.

The implications of this paper:

• Incorporating music therapy into routine paediatric imaging procedures can reduce anxiety, improve patient cooperation and potentially reduce the need for sedatives.
• Future research could explore the optimal types of music, volume levels and delivery methods to maximize the calming effects on children during various medical procedures.
• Training programs for paediatric healthcare providers can include education on the benefits of nonpharmacologic interventions, like music therapy, to reduce anxiety and improve patient outcomes in clinical settings.