Effects of patient-preferred live music on positive and negative affect and pain with adults on a post-surgical oncology unit: A randomized study

Surgery is often the first treatment following a cancer diagnosis. In accordance with recommendations from the American Cancer Society related to emotional wellbeing, engaging post-operative oncology inpatients in psychosocial interventions may alleviate symptoms and elevate affective states. Therefore, the purpose of this single-session randomized study was to determine the immediate effects of patient-preferred live music (PPLM) on positive and negative affect and pain in adults hospitalized on a post-surgical oncology unit. Participants (N = 44) were randomly assigned to experimental or wait-list control conditions via a computer program. Experimental participants received a single PPLM session. Participants completed the Global Mood Scale and an 11-point Likert-type pain scale at pre- and posttest. Results indicated significant between-group differences in posttest measures of positive and negative affect, with the experimental group having more favorable scores. Although the between-group difference in posttest pain was not significant, the experimental group had a greater decrease in pain. Despite the temporal challenges associated with the short-term setting, a single PPLM session can be an effective nonpharmacological intervention for immediately addressing affect and pain in patients on a post-surgical oncology unit. Implications for clinical practice, limitations, and suggestions for future research are provided.