Music for Life Sustenance: Does Music have a Role in Intensive Care Medicine?

Resumen

The application of music as a therapeutic, strategized intervention in the intensive care environment is considered as critical consideration and evaluation of current research is explored. Through a comprehensive literature review, it is considered why music might prove suitable in ICU care, and how it can significantly affect cardiovascular, respiratory and metabolic parameters amongst other physiological and psychological aspects pertinent to recovery. Consideration of music application outside of the intensive care unit in affiliated areas is discussed as well as its use in targeted therapy application with specific patient groups. The importance of distinguishing between a live or recorded musical intervention and the music type itself is highlighted, particularly with respect to research where this has typically been poorly defined.