Comparing live music therapy to recorded music therapy for terminally ill patients
Differences in Acceptability of Music Therapy Sessions Played Live Compared to a Recording Thereof
This study is testing whether live music therapy can help terminally ill patients feel better compared to listening to recorded music.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 25 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Zurich Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Zurich, Canton of Zurich) |
| Trial ID | NCT06108375 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the acceptability and feasibility of live music therapy sessions versus recorded music therapy in a palliative care setting at the University Hospital Zurich. It aims to gather both objective data on physiological responses, using a commercially available tracker to measure biomarkers like heart rate and electrodermal activity, and subjective data through validated questionnaires assessing quality of life and psychological outcomes. The goal is to enhance the understanding of music therapy's effects on patients with terminal illnesses, particularly in alleviating distress and improving overall well-being.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 18 years old with a diagnosis of metastatic cancer or severe illness who are receiving palliative care.
Not a fit: Patients who are unable to participate in questionnaires due to physical, cognitive, or linguistic limitations may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide evidence supporting the use of music therapy as an effective complementary treatment to improve the quality of life for terminally ill patients.
How similar studies have performed: While there is a growing body of literature on music therapy in palliative care, this specific comparison of live versus recorded therapy is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age \>18 years old * Capacity to provide informed consent * Patients with established diagnosis of a metastatic cancer/severe illness with limited life expectancy on a palliative care ward at the University Hospital Zurich Exclusion Criteria: • Inability to answer a questionnaire due to physical limitations as well as cognitive or linguistic reasons.
Where this trial is running
Zurich, Canton of Zurich
- University Hospital Zurich — Zurich, Canton of Zurich, Switzerland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: David Blum, Prof.Dr.med. — University of Zurich
- Study coordinator: David Blum, Prof.Dr.med.
- Email: david.blum@usz.ch
- Phone: 0041 43 253 37 42
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.