Keywords

music interventions; respiratory support; critically ill; ICU; psychoemotional; anxiety

Abstract

Critically ill adults receiving respiratory support in intensive care units (ICUs) frequently experience psychoemotional disturbances such as agitation, anxiety, and delirium, which contribute to prolonged ventilation, increased sedative use, and adverse patient outcomes. While pharmacologic management remains standard practice, associated risks including oversedation and delirium highlight the need for safe, complementary interventions. Emerging evidence suggests that music-based interventions may offer a non-invasive, cost-effective strategy to reduce psychological or emotional distress in this vulnerable population. This integrative literature review examined the effects of music interventions, including passive music listening and structured music therapy, on agitation and related psychoemotional outcomes in critically ill adults receiving respiratory support. A systematic search of CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Music Index identified nine studies meeting inclusion criteria between 2010 and 2025. Findings consistently demonstrated significant reductions in anxiety and agitation among patients exposed to music interventions, with mixed but promising evidence for delirium reduction when interventions were delivered repeatedly. No adverse effects were reported. Overall, music interventions appear to be effective adjuncts to standard ICU care, supporting emotional regulation and potentially reducing reliance on sedative medications. These results underscore the role of nurses in implementing holistic, patient-centered strategies and support the integration of music into critical care practice to enhance psychoemotional well-being and recovery outcomes.

Thesis Completion Year

2026

Thesis Completion Semester

Spring

Thesis Chair

Loerzel, Victoria

College

College of Nursing

Thesis Discipline

Nursing

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus Access

None

Campus Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

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