Publication:

Efficacy of music therapy on pain reduction during arterial blood gas analysis: an open-label randomized controlled trial

Background Arterial blood gas (ABG) sampling is commonly associated with procedural pain and anxiety. Nonpharmacological approaches such as music therapy may attenuate pain without impacting workflow or safety. Objectives were to evaluate whether music therapy reduces pain during ABG sampling compared with standard care, and to assess effects on number of puncture attempts and procedure duration.

Methods Open-label, parallel-group randomized controlled trial. General medicine wards of a tertiary-care teaching hospital in Eastern India (3-month enrollment). Adults (≥18 years) requiring ABG sampling who were alert or verbally responsive (AVPU A/V). Participants were randomized (SNOSE) to music therapy via headphones during ABG (intervention) or standard care (control). Primary outcome was post-procedure pain using 0-10 numerical rating scale (NRS). Secondary outcomes were number of puncture attempts and procedure duration. Analyses used independent t-test and chi-square as appropriate (α=0.05).

Results Among 186 participants (n=92 music; n=94 control), mean NRS pain was lower with music (4.07±2.08) versus control (5.11±2.59); mean difference -1.04 (95% CI -1.72 to -0.36), p=0.003. First-attempt success was similar (77.2% vs 73.4%; p=0.280). Procedure duration distribution ( 60s) did not differ between groups (p=0.890).

Conclusions Music therapy significantly reduced procedural pain during ABG without affecting success or duration. This feasible, low-cost intervention can be incorporated into routine nursing practice for procedural comfort. Nurses can lead implementation of music therapy during brief invasive procedures to improve patient experience without disrupting workflow.