Author: Charron M, et al.
Anaesthesia Critical Care & Pain Medicine, 2025. doi:10.1016/j.accpm.2025.101545
This multicenter randomized, open-label trial evaluated the impact of a web app-based music intervention (Music Care®) during wound suturing in the emergency department. A total of 170 patients were randomized to receive music via the app or standard care. The primary endpoint was maximal pain intensity measured by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).
Pain scores did not differ significantly between groups: mean VAS was 2.1 ± 2.7 cm with music versus 2.6 ± 2.6 cm in controls (p = 0.197). However, the music group showed reduced respiratory rates (p = 0.002), lower anxiety scores (p = 0.042), and significantly improved satisfaction ratings from both patients (p = 0.0002) and physicians (p < 0.0001).
While the intervention did not significantly reduce procedural pain in this low-pain population, it demonstrated measurable benefits for anxiety reduction and overall satisfaction. These findings suggest that music may play a supportive role in enhancing the procedural experience for both patients and clinicians, though larger studies are needed to confirm its value in managing pain and anxiety during suturing.
Key Takeaways
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Pain relief: No significant reduction in VAS pain scores with music intervention.
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Anxiety: Music group had lower anxiety scores and reduced respiratory rates.
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Satisfaction: Both patients and physicians reported higher satisfaction with music.
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Implication: Music may not reduce pain in low-pain settings but improves emotional and experiential aspects of care.
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Next steps: Further studies are needed to clarify the role of music interventions in procedural pain management.
Thank you to Anaesthesia Critical Care & Pain Medicine for publishing this important study on music-based interventions in emergency care.