Can Live Music Reduce Procedural Distress and Pain?

Children exposed to live music during routine venipuncture had less distress and pain.

Reduction of pain and stress in children undergoing painful procedures is receiving increasing attention. Pain reduction during a procedure is simply good medicine, and it can influence a child’s future perceptions of healthcare encounters.

To evaluate the effect of the presence of a musician who plays music, sings, and interacts with children before, during, and after a painful procedure, 108 consecutive children (age range, 4–13 years) undergoing venipuncture for routine blood tests at a single Italian hospital were randomized to undergo the procedure with or without the music intervention. The musician stayed with each child for about 20 minutes. Children with cognitive problems, hearing or vision impairment, or prior hospitalization were…

Reviewing Author

Martin T. Stein, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardPearson Neuroscience Advisory Board

Speaker’s bureauAmerican Academy of Pediatrics

RoyaltiesElsevier, Inc.

Editorial boardsJournal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics

Martin T. Stein, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardPearson Neuroscience Advisory Board

Speaker’s bureauAmerican Academy of Pediatrics

RoyaltiesElsevier, Inc.

Editorial boardsJournal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics