Pilot study of NICU music therapy for preterm infants and caregivers
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The impact of NICU music therapy on preterm infants' clinical markers and caregiver wellbeing: a pilot study
IRAS ID
342135
Contact name
Rebecca Atkinson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cambridge Institute for Music Therapy Research
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 10 months, 2 days
Research summary
This study will provide initial evidence for the use of music therapy in UK Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU). In other countries, such as the US and the Netherlands, music therapy is routinely provided in the NICU and research has demonstrated benefits for the both the child and their caregivers. As there is no existing UK-based research on music therapy in the NICU, medical institutions are reluctant to consider the benefits of music therapy. This reduces infants' access to non-invasive treatment in the NICU. Our study aims to address this gap.
NICU care is lifesaving for the infant, but places them in a high stress medical environment. There are also limited opportunities for interaction between the infant and their caregivers, which can negatively affect the infant's development. Music therapy has the potential to make this environment less hostile and stressful for the infant, while also creating opportunities for infant and caregiver interaction.
In this study, we want to measure the effects of a music therapy service that is already ongoing in one NICU site, the local neonatal unit at Whittington Hospital. Over a period of six weeks, we will invite patients admitted onto the ward to participate in our study. We are hoping to involve up to six infants and their caregivers in the research. As our research will take place alongside an existing service, patients will be offered music therapy regardless of whether they choose to participate in this study. This study is funded by Anglia Ruskin University.
REC name
South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/SW/0143
Date of REC Opinion
18 Dec 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion