The Impact of Playing Music in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Abstract
Infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are at increased risk for developmental delays, anxiety, and stress. Additionally, parents and caregivers are susceptible to an increased risk for trauma due to the hospital admission. This occurs secondary to the medical environment, including negative medical touch and unnatural motoric and sensory stimulation to the developing brain. The purpose of this scoping review of the literature, is to determine if music therapy in the NICU decreases stress and trauma.
A scoping review will be completed of peer reviewed articles assessing the impact of music therapy on infants in the NICU and their parents/caregivers and their stress levels. Scoping review revealed that stress and trauma are pervasive in the NICU. Music therapy positively impacts the mental health of both the caregiver and infants. This sensory stimulation helps to relieve stress and trauma from the developing brain of infants, while providing a familiar musical environment that leads to a new motivation and confidence for families in the NICU.
Music therapy can directly impact the mental health of the infant and caregivers. Practical suggestions are provided to promote the utilization of music therapy in NICU. This scoping review revealed that there needs to be continued clinical research and application to determine long-term effects.
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. Raquel Garcia
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-5-2023 12:00 PM
End Date
4-6-2023 4:00 PM
The Impact of Playing Music in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Alvin Sherman Library
Infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are at increased risk for developmental delays, anxiety, and stress. Additionally, parents and caregivers are susceptible to an increased risk for trauma due to the hospital admission. This occurs secondary to the medical environment, including negative medical touch and unnatural motoric and sensory stimulation to the developing brain. The purpose of this scoping review of the literature, is to determine if music therapy in the NICU decreases stress and trauma.
A scoping review will be completed of peer reviewed articles assessing the impact of music therapy on infants in the NICU and their parents/caregivers and their stress levels. Scoping review revealed that stress and trauma are pervasive in the NICU. Music therapy positively impacts the mental health of both the caregiver and infants. This sensory stimulation helps to relieve stress and trauma from the developing brain of infants, while providing a familiar musical environment that leads to a new motivation and confidence for families in the NICU.
Music therapy can directly impact the mental health of the infant and caregivers. Practical suggestions are provided to promote the utilization of music therapy in NICU. This scoping review revealed that there needs to be continued clinical research and application to determine long-term effects.
