Effects of Music Therapy on Spiritual Well-Being among Patients with Advanced Cancer in Palliative Care: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Investigation of negative emotions and sleep quality in gastric cancer patients and intervention strategies

Objective

This study investigates the prevalence of negative emotions and sleep disturbances in gastric cancer patients, explores their relationship, and suggests targeted interventions to enhance their physical and mental well-being.

Methods

A total of 650 gastric cancer patients from the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University (March 2020 to March 2023) were included. Negative emotions, including anxiety and depression, were assessed using the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), while sleep quality was evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis were employed to analyze the data and explore the relationship between negative emotions and sleep quality.

Results

Of the 650 patients, 533 (82%) exhibited negative emotions, and 560 (86.15%) experienced sleep disturbances. A significant positive correlation was found between negative emotion scores and sleep quality (r = 0.682, p < 0.05). Patients with poor sleep quality had significantly higher negative emotion scores (p < 0.05). Factors such as gender, age, tumor stage, and education level influenced negative emotion scores, while room type significantly impacted sleep quality (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Negative emotions and sleep disturbances are common and interrelated in gastric cancer patients. Addressing psychological factors, particularly anxiety and depression, is crucial for improving sleep quality and overall recovery. Integrated psychological and sleep management interventions should be incorporated into routine care to improve patients' quality of life and treatment outcomes.

The Effect of Spiritual Well-Being on Hope Among Hemodialysis Patients: A Latent Profile Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Spiritual well-being was a critical component of quality of life for hemodialysis patients. However, existing research primarily concentrates on the overall level of spiritual well-being and associated factors, often neglecting the heterogeneity within the hemodialysis patients regarding their patterns of spiritual well-being. In addition, the effect of spiritual well-being on hope levels in hemodialysis patients remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the latent profiles of spiritual well-being among hemodialysis patients and to explore their effect on hope.

METHODS

A convenience sampling method was employed between July 2023 and March 2024 to recruit hemodialysis patients from three teaching hospitals in Sichuan Province as study participants. All participants complied with a demographic questionnaire, the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being, and the Herth Hope Index. A latent profile analysis was adopted to identify the latent profiles of spiritual well-being among hemodialysis patients, and hierarchical linear regression was conducted to examine their role in hope.

FINDINGS

Two latent profiles of spiritual well-being were identified based on the participants' responses, designated as "Spiritual burnout group"(n = 246, 74.4%) and "Spiritual fulfillment group" (n = 51, 25.6%). Different latent profiles of spiritual well-being among hemodialysis patients have a significant positive effect on the level of hope (ΔR 2 = 0.224, p < 0.001).

DISCUSSION

The spiritual well-being of hemodialysis patients was identified as suboptimal and demonstrated a significant positive association with their level of hope. Healthcare providers could identify the different profiles of spiritual well-being in HD patients and deliver targeted interventions to guide them to positively live in harmony with themselves, others, and the environment to improve their level of hope.

Complementary Musical Intervention for Patients in Palliative Care in Spain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Patients with advanced cancer often endure a heavy burden of symptoms, both in quantity and intensity. Complementary therapies offer potential relief in this challenging scenario. Increasing the number of randomized controlled trials provides a unique opportunity to generate rigorous data, which can be used to establish causal relationships and evaluate interventions; hence, nurses can strengthen evidence-based practices, leading to better patient outcomes and quality of care. Our study aimed to evaluate the impact of a 7-day pre-recorded music intervention on cancer symptoms and satisfaction in advanced-stage cancer patients receiving palliative care at home.

METHODS

This multicenter, double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial involved 80 Spanish cancer patients receiving palliative care at home, and was conducted from July 2020 to November 2021. The intervention group (n = 40) received self-selected pre-recorded music for 30 min daily over 7 days. The control group (n = 40) received pre-recorded basic health education sessions of equal duration and frequency. Symptoms and patient satisfaction were assessed before and after the intervention using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System and the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire, respectively.

RESULTS

Comparing the intervention with the control group, significant improvements were observed in various symptoms: total symptom burden (p < 0.001), pain (p = 0.001), fatigue (p = 0.007), depression (p = 0.001), anxiety (p = 0.005), drowsiness (p = 0.006), appetite (p = 0.047), well-being (p ≤ 0.001), and sleep (p < 0.001); additionally, patient satisfaction was higher in the intervention group (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The 7-day pre-recorded music intervention reduced both physical and psychological symptoms in advanced-stage cancer patients receiving home-based palliative care, demonstrating significant alleviation of overall symptom burden and increased satisfaction with healthcare.

The impact of music on anxiety, pain, and blood pressure in ophthalmic surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effectiveness of music therapy in reducing anxiety, pain, and vital sign changes in ophthalmic surgery patients.

METHODS

An extensive search of databases, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, identified relevant studies up to Jan 2024. Selection of studies was conducted based on the PICOS criteria. The quality of methodology was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool and Review Manager 5.4. Meta-analysis comparing the control group and the music therapy group was performed using R and Stata/SE 15.1 random or fixed effects model.

RESULTS

This meta-analysis included fifteen studies comprising 2098 participants. The analysis revealed that music therapy significantly reduced the risk of high anxiety levels as measured by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) (I2 = 0 %, RR(95 %CI): 0.75(0.63, 0.88), p = 0.0006), indicating a substantial effect without heterogeneity. The Anxiety scores determined by State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-State (STAI-S) also showed a significant decrease (SMD(95 %CI): -0.75(-0.88, -0.61), p < 0.0001), albeit with moderate heterogeneity (I² = 36 %). Additionally, music therapy was associated with a reduction in intraoperative pain levels, with no observed heterogeneity (I2 = 0 %, SMD(95 %CI): -0.74(-0.93, -0.56), p < 0.0001). In contrast, music intervention did not significantly influence self-reported nervousness, relaxation, or satisfaction levels as determined by VAS. Regarding to physiological parameters, a marginal decrease in systolic blood pressure (SBP) was observed (SMD(95 %CI): -0.42(-0.79, -0.04), p = 0.0286), with considerable heterogeneity (I² = 92 %). Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) experienced a slight reduction (I² = 90 %, SMD(95 %CI): -0.45(-0.79, -0.11), p = 0.0088). However, no significant effect was observed on patients' heart rate (p = 0.0864).

CONCLUSION

Music therapy effectively reduced anxiety and pain, and moderately improved vital signs in patients undergoing ophthalmic surgery, highlighting its role in enhancing patient well-being. Further in-depth RCTs are needed to confirm its efficacy.

Patient Outcomes of a Virtual Reality-Based Music Therapy Pilot in Palliative Care

Background

Hospitalized patients with palliative care needs often have high levels of physical and psychological symptom distress. Virtual reality (VR) with a music therapy intervention may improve physical and psychological symptoms.

Objectives

To assess symptom distress and quality of life (QOL) among hospitalized palliative care patients who participated in a virtual reality-based music therapy (VR-MT) intervention, and to explore VR-MT from the perspectives of health care professionals involved in their care.

Design

Single-arm pilot study of a two-day VR-MT intervention.

Setting/Participants

Patients seen by an inpatient palliative care consultation service at a U.S. hospital could participate in the VR-MT intervention. Participants created a customized soundtrack with a music therapist and then listened to it while experiencing a 360-degree VR nature-based environment of their choice.

Measurements

Patients completed the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System, revised version (ESAS-r) and McGill Quality of Life, revised version (MQOL-R) before and after VR-MT. Members of the participants' health care teams were interviewed.

Results

Seventeen patients completed VR-MT (range 20-79 years of age, 59% women). Moderate clinical improvements were observed for total ESAS-r score (Cohen's d effect size, 0.68), physical distress subscale (0.52), and psychological distress subscale (0.60); small improvements were observed in total MQOL-r score (0.26) and the existential subscale (0.27). Health care team members described the value of VR-MT as facilitating meaningful conversations.

Conclusions

This pilot study of VR combined with a music therapy intervention for hospitalized patients with palliative care needs supports opportunities for future study of potential improvements in symptom distress and QOL.

The Mediating Role of Resilience in the Relationship Between Hope and Spiritual Well-being in Cancer Patients: A Study From Turkey

BACKGROUND

Cancer is a significant public health concern in the healthcare landscape. Amidst this challenging journey, the levels of hope, spiritual well-being, and resilience in patients with cancer have emerged as pivotal factors influencing the healing process.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between hope and spiritual well-being in cancer patients and the mediating role of resilience in the relationship between hope and spiritual well-being levels.

METHODS

This study is a descriptive, cross-sectional, correlational study. The study included 152 cancer patients undergoing treatment. A patient information form, the 12-item Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being (FACIT-SP-12) Scale, the Dispositional Hope Scale, and the Brief Resilience Scale were used to collect study data.

RESULTS

Positive and meaningful correlations were observed between the Dispositional Hope Scale and FACIT-SP-12, Brief Resilience Scale, and FACIT-SP-12 (r = 0.390, P < .05; r = 0.246, P < .05). Mediation analysis indicated that Brief Resilience Scale scores partially mediated the relationship between the Dispositional Hope Scale and FACIT-SP-12 Scale scores; the indirect effect of hope on spiritual well-being through resilience was 0.351 (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

The study has indicated a direct relationship between hope and spiritual well-being, and resilience partially mediated the relationship between hope and spiritual well-being.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

It is significant to provide psychosocial care to cancer patients to increase their resilience levels and to support their hope and spiritual well-being.

Effect of Ward Noise Reduction Technology Combined with Music Therapy on Negative Emotions in Inpatients Undergoing Gastric Cancer Radiotherapy: A Retrospective Study

Background

Gastric cancer is a common malignant tumour in clinics. Noise affects the condition of patients with gastric cancer to a certain extent. This study aims to explore an effective noise control measure.

Methods and materials

This study retrospectively analysed the clinical data of 108 patients with gastric cancer who received radiotherapy in the oncology department of JiaoZhou Central Hospital from March 2021 to March 2022, and excluded eight patients who did not meet the inclusion criteria. The remaining patients were divided into a control group (CG, music therapy, n = 48) and a study group (SG, ward noise reduction technology + music therapy, n = 52) in accordance with different management modes. The key causes of noise in the ward that each patient thought were collected by questionnaire, and the ward noise, psychological state, and sleep changes in the two groups were observed under different management modes.

Results

The noise was mainly from patients and their family members, call bell, monitors, treatment carts, medical staff and surrounding environment. After the management, SG had lower noise decibel values in daytime and nighttime and significantly lower scores of anxiety and depression than CG (P < 0.01). The sleep quality scores of the two groups after the management were lower than those before management (P < 0.001) and the sleep quality score of SG was significantly lower than that of CG (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Ward noise reduction technology combined with music therapy is an effective method to effectively reduce the ward noise and improve the clinical condition of patients.