Effect of music therapy intervention in pain reduction during venepuncture in neonates

Abstract

Background: Neonates in a neonatal intensive care unit are exposed to a high number of painful procedures. Since repeated and sustained pain can have consequences for the neurological and behavior‐oriented problem in the future. Non‐pharmacological treatment methods are being increasingly discussed with regard to pain prevention and relief during mild or moderate procedures. The aim of this study was to identify effectiveness of music therapy interventions on pain reduction during venipuncture in neonates.Methods: Total of 60 neonates undergoing venepuncture in the postnatal ward was included in this study. They were divided into the music group (n-30) and control group (n-30) by convenient sampling method. The neonates in music group were exposed to pre-recorded lullaby 5 minutes before starting the venepuncture and during the procedure of venepuncture. The NPASS was done 5 minutes before, during and 5 minutes after the procedure.Results: Compared to the control group neonates, music group neonates showed significantly (P <0.05) less pain perception during intravenous needle puncture. The results showed that music group neonates have significantly less score of NPASS than control group neonates (P<0.001) all five domains.Conclusions: Hence for routine painful procedures like venepuncture, music therapy could be helpful in neonates in reducing the pain perception. Further studies are needed to validate our findings in large sample with proper study design in future.