Efectividad de la musicoterapia en la mejora del bienestar, dolor y síntomas emocionales en pacientes oncológicos y no oncológicos

Abstract

Objective: To characterize the usefulness of Music Therapy (MT) in mood, pain, depression, anxiety, fatigue, and stress in oncology and non-oncology patients and their caregivers.

Materials and Methods: Protocolized, descriptive study. Inclusion criteria: oncology and non-oncology patients aged ≥18 years, hospitalized at Hospital L. Lagomaggiore, and their caregivers. Study period: April 2023 to March 2025. Variables such as pain, well-being, anxiety, depression, and fatigue were analyzed using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS), classified as mild (0–3), moderate (4–6), and severe (7–10). Measurements were obtained pre-MT and post-MT. Statistical analysis included measures of central tendency and dispersion, as well as univariate and comparative analyses (oncology vs non-oncology).

Results: A total of 98 patients were included. Women: 65 (66.3%); age group 18-85 years. Oncology patients: 71 (72.4%). Seventy caregivers were assessed. Severe caregiver well-being pre-MT: 27 (38.6%) vs post-MT: 2 (2.8%). Caregivers reported the MT session as beneficial: 57 (81.4%), highlighting symptom relief in 30 (42.8%) and improved communication in 21 (30%). Severe ESAS domains pre-MT were: well-being 33 (34%), pain 34 (34.7%), fatigue 55 (56.7%), anxiety 57 (58.2%), depression 32 (32.6%), versus post-MT severe: well-being 3 (3.1%), pain 1 (1.1%), fatigue 12 (12.4%), anxiety 6 (6.2%), depression 4 (4.1%). Well-being concordance was: patient–caregiver 43 (61.4%); patient–music therapist 77 (78.5%); caregiver–music therapist 43 (61.4%); patient–caregiver–music therapist 38 (54.3%). In the comparative analysis between oncology and non-oncology patients, no statistically significant differences were observed.

Conclusion: MT was associated with improvements in well-being, pain, anxiety, fatigue, and depression in both oncology and non-oncology patients. Its high acceptance and the benefits reported by caregivers support its integration into clinical settings as an adjunctive therapy. The importance of early detection of these symptoms to enable interdisciplinary management should be emphasized. These findings underscore the potential of MT to humanize care and improve quality of life in vulnerable populations.