Background

Bone marrow procedures cause anxiety and pain in adult patients with cancer. Music is a safe, inexpensive, noninvasive intervention that is easy to implement and is well received by patients and providers.

Objectives

The purpose of this quality improvement project was to develop, implement, evaluate, and sustain a music protocol during bone marrow biopsy and aspiration procedures for adult patients with hematologic malignancies. In addition, this project sought to decrease pain, anxiety, heart rate, and blood pressure in patients undergoing bone marrow procedures.

Methods

The project coordinator collected baseline data regarding toleration of bone marrow procedures and then implemented a music protocol during the procedures during a six-month intervention phase. Comparison variables included pain, anxiety, heart rate, blood pressure, and subjective impressions.

Findings

The music protocol resulted in improved patient anxiety, decreased procedure time, and decreased medication use during bone marrow procedures. All patients who used the music intervention indicated they would use it again.