Music for Pain Reduction in Children

More exciting news about music:

AANP via JAMA Pediatrics – Music Decreases Pain For Child Patients In Hospital ER – (Tuesday, July 16, 2013)–Newly released findings by medical researchers provide evidence that music decreases perceived sense of pain by children in pediatric emergency departments in hospitals. (Pain and distress from medical procedures can have lasting negative effects for children. Playing music for kids during painful medical procedures would be an inexpensive intervention in clinical settings.) The team conducted a clinical research trial of 42 children between the ages of 3 and 11 who came to a pediatric emergency department and needed IVs. Some of the children listened to music while getting an IV, while others did not. Researchers measured the level of distress, perceived pain levels and heart rates, as well as satisfaction levels of parents, and satisfaction levels of health-care providers who administered the IVs.  Children in the music group had significantly less pain immediately after the procedure, some demonstrated significantly less distress, and the parents of the child patients were more satisfied with care. In the music group, 76 percent of healthcare providers said the IVs were easier to administer.

This study was released online July 15, 2013 by JAMA Pediatrics. It can now be accessed at http://tinyurl.com/mo9etht with subscription or fee.

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