Using music therapy to help patients with chronic illnesses
Music Therapy to Address Patients' Journeys with Chronic Illness, Outcomes, and Readmission (MAJOR CHORD RCT): a Randomized Controlled Trial
This study is testing whether music therapy can help patients with heart failure or COPD feel better and reduce stress while they are in the hospital.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 30 Years to 89 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Cleveland, Ohio) |
| Trial ID | NCT06546319 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a music therapy intervention called MAJOR CHORD for patients hospitalized with heart failure or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either music therapy sessions or usual care, with follow-up assessments conducted via secure telehealth platforms. The study aims to evaluate improvements in health-related quality of life, perceived stress, self-efficacy, and readmission rates within 30 days post-discharge. The music therapy sessions will be tailored to individual needs and conducted both in-person and virtually.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 30 to 89 who are hospitalized for heart failure or COPD and have access to necessary technology for virtual sessions.
Not a fit: Patients who are unable to participate in virtual sessions due to lack of technology or those with acute conditions unrelated to heart failure or COPD may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could enhance the quality of life and reduce hospital readmissions for patients with chronic illnesses.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with music therapy in similar patient populations, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Randomized Control Trial Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age range: ≥30 to ≤89 years 2. Primary indication for current hospitalization is either COPD or HF with confirmed ICD-10 code in the electronic health record (EHR) 3. Able to read and understand English 4. Hospitalized at UH Cleveland Medical Center (UHCMC) with anticipated length of stay following recruitment ≥ 2 days as documented in electronic health record (EHR) and confirmed by the clinical care team 5. Access to Wi-Fi, active email address, \& laptop, tablet, smartphone, and/or PC with videoconferencing capabilities at home or the facility in which they will be discharged 6. Has reliable access to a mobile device with an active data plan at the hospital and at home and is comfortable accessing the internet and their email with this device Qualitative Interview Inclusion Criteria 1. Agreed to be contacted for the qualitative interview during contenting process for the RCT Exclusion Criteria: 1. Active confirmed or suspected COVID-19, or under droplet, contact, MRSA, and/or C.diff precaution notification as documented in the EHR 2. Included on the Music Therapy Referral patient list in the EHR 3. Significant hearing and/or visual impairment as documented in EHR 4. Unable to independently provide consent (i.e., no proxy consent) 5. Active suicidal ideation as documented in EHR during current hospital admission 6. Severe psychological comorbidity (e.g., psychosis, schizophrenia) that would prevent patient from engaging fully in intervention as documented in EHR 7. Receiving active cancer treatment (e.g., chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy) as documented in EHR 8. Diagnosed with medical condition likely to be terminal within 24 weeks as documented in EHR 9. On wait list for heart transplantation or ventricular assist device (VAD) as documented in EHR 10. NYHA Stage IV HF or end-stage COPD as documented in EHR 11. Receiving hospice care as documented in EHR 12. Active substance abuse as documented in EHR 13. Has end stage renal disease or is currently receiving dialysis Qualitative Interview Exclusion Criteria 1. Randomized to the control arm
Where this trial is running
Cleveland, Ohio
- University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center — Cleveland, Ohio, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Samuel Rodgers-Melnick, MPH, MT-BC — University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Samuel Rodgers-Melnick, MPH, MT-BC
- Email: Samuel.RodgersMelnick@UHhospitals.org
- Phone: 216-844-7727
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.