Using music therapy to improve quality of life for people with sickle cell disease
Official title: MULTIsite feasibility of MUSIc therapy to address Quality Of Life in Sickle cell disease (MULTI-MUSIQOLS)
Funded at University of California-Irvine · NIH-11142896 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how music therapy can help people with sickle cell disease feel less pain and improve their overall well-being, and it's designed for anyone living with this condition who wants to try a new way to feel better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $300,000 |
| NIH project number | 7R01AT012508-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11142896 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 21 and older who are diagnosed with sickle cell disease and experience chronic pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have sickle cell disease or are under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of music therapy as a nonpharmacologic approach to alleviate pain and improve the quality of life for individuals suffering from sickle cell disease. Participants will engage in a structured music therapy program designed to address both physical and mental health challenges associated with the disease. The study aims to assess the feasibility of implementing this therapy across multiple sites, building on previous positive results from a single-site trial. By focusing on patient-centered outcomes, the research seeks to enhance self-efficacy and overall health-related quality of life.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a valuable alternative treatment option that improves pain management and quality of life for patients with sickle cell disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results for music therapy in managing chronic pain and improving quality of life, indicating that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dusek, Jeffery a — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Dusek, Jeffery a
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.