Music for patients with hematological malignancies undergoing bone marrow biopsy: a randomized controlled study of anxiety, perceived pain, and patient satisfaction.

Objective: To examine the impact of random assignment to music versus usual care on anxiety, perceived pain level and patient satisfaction in patients undergoing bone marrow biopsies.

Method: Patients were randomized to music or usual care after completing a baseline questionnaire. All patients completed a post-procedure questionnaire.

Results: Study participants (N=59) had a mean age of 50.9 years (SD = 13.9; range 22-78). Post-procedure state anxiety (STAI) and pain rating (VAS) were not significantly different between groups (STAI p=0.766; VAS p=0.771). However, patient satisfaction with music was high; 66% of these patients said they very much preferred to listen to music at a future biopsy.

Conclusions: While there were no significant group differences for the music intervention compared to standard of care for anxiety or perceived pain, additional feedback indicated that patients found the music intervention beneficial and requested use of music during future procedures.