Music therapy during weaning reduced agitation and tracheostomy but not weaning time

Design

Randomised controlled trial, two parallel groups

Population

100 adults ventilated for at least 48 hours in a general ICU in Spain

Primary outcome

Weaning duration

Effect

No difference (p = 0.97); lower agitation scores, less propofol use and fewer tracheostomies with music therapy

Ventilated adults were randomised to standard weaning care alone or with daily individualised music therapy sessions led by a therapist.

Weaning was not shorter. Music therapy was associated with calmer patients, less propofol use and fewer tracheostomies. Ventilation and ICU stays were shorter but not significantly so.

Secondary outcomes in a small trial should be treated as hypotheses. The intervention is low-risk, though it needs a trained therapist rather than a playlist.

• Weaning duration did not differ between groups.
• Agitation-sedation scores were better on days 1 and 3 with music therapy.
• Fewer patients in the music group needed propofol.
• Tracheostomy rates were lower with music therapy.
• Sessions were about 25 minutes daily and tailored to the patient's musical preferences.

Why it matters

Agitation during weaning drives sedative use, and a non-drug option that reduces it is attractive.

Don't overread it

The primary outcome, weaning duration, was not different; the benefits are secondary outcomes in a 100-patient trial.

The statistics, in plain English

With several secondary outcomes tested, some may reach significance by chance. The tracheostomy finding needs confirming in a larger trial.

Read the rest in the app

You have read your two free briefings this month. The app carries all 27 specialties, every morning, free — and this finding is waiting in it.

Get Daily Doctor — free

Scan to keep reading on your phone. No account needed to start.