Using music therapy to reduce anxiety and stress in emergency units

Effect of Live Environmental Music Therapy and Pre-recorded Music on State-Anxiety, Stress, Pain, and Wellbeing Levels of Patients and Caregivers in the Emergency Unit Waiting Area: A Multi-Center Randomized Clinical Trial Study Protocol

NA · Sanitas University · NCT06510153

This study is testing if adding music therapy or pre-recorded music can help reduce anxiety and stress for patients and caregivers waiting in emergency units.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment243 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorSanitas University (other)
Locations2 sites (Barranquilla, Atlántico and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06510153 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effects of Environmental Music Therapy (EMT) and pre-recorded music on anxiety, stress, pain, and well-being in patients and caregivers in emergency unit waiting areas. Conducted in two hospitals in Colombia, the study employs a randomized design with three groups: one receiving standard care plus EMT, another receiving standard care plus pre-recorded music, and a control group receiving standard care only. The primary outcome is measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-6), while secondary outcomes include pain and stress levels assessed through Visual Analogue Scales (VAS) and well-being ratings. The study aims to provide insights into how music interventions can enhance the experience of patients and caregivers in high-stress environments.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adult patients and caregivers in emergency waiting rooms who are not in immediate life-threatening situations.

Not a fit: Patients with hearing problems or those unable to understand the study questionnaires may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly reduce anxiety and stress levels for patients and caregivers in emergency settings.

How similar studies have performed: While studies on music therapy exist, this specific approach in emergency units is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients and caregivers/companions of legal age present in the emergency waiting room present during the intervention and control conditions.
* Patients whose triage does not represent immediate threat to life or severely ill patients (i.e., triage 3, 4 and 5)
* Patients and caregivers/companions with literacy skills.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients and caregivers/companions who report having hearing problems
* Patients and caregivers/companions with difficulties in understanding and/or filling out the questionnaires.
* Patients and/or caregivers/companions who do not consent to participate in the study.

Where this trial is running

Barranquilla, Atlántico and 1 other locations

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Anxiety, Stress, Well-Being, Psychological, Music Therapy, Recorded Music, Wellbeing, Emergency Care, Waiting Room

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.