Evaluating the effect of classical music on waiting time perception in emergency patients

The MORAL (MOzart Recorded And Live) Impact of Classical Music on Perceived Waiting Time and Satisfaction: A Comparative Study in Emergency Department Patients

Observational Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona · NCT06973993

This study is testing if listening to classical music while waiting in the emergency room can make patients feel like their wait is shorter.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorEnte Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona Academic / other
Locations1 site (Bellinzona)
Trial IDNCT06973993 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to assess whether listening to classical music in the emergency department waiting room can reduce patients' perception of waiting times. Participants, including patients and their relatives, will be exposed to either live classical music, recorded classical music, or no music at all while they wait for medical assessment. The study is classified as a quality control initiative and does not collect health-related information, thus not requiring clinical trial authorization. The goal is to enhance patient satisfaction during their waiting experience.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adult patients aged 18 and older who are waiting for medical assessment in the emergency department.

Not a fit: Patients in critical condition or those facing immediate life-threatening situations may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve patient satisfaction and comfort during potentially stressful waiting periods in emergency departments.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of using classical music in emergency settings may be novel, similar studies in other contexts have shown positive effects on patient satisfaction and perceived waiting times.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* ER department patients waiting for medical assessment and their relatives
* Age ≥ 18 years
* Signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients in situations of high severity and that pose an immediate significant threat to life or physiologic function.

Where this trial is running

Bellinzona

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Emergency Room
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.