Effects of Integrated Music-Video Therapy on Pain and Anxiety During High-Dose-Rate Brachytherapy

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the effect of integrated music-video therapy on pain and anxiety of gynecologic cancer patients at different stages of brachytherapy.

Design: This study used a single-group crossover design.

Methods: Data on 27 patients diagnosed with gynecologic cancer and receiving brachytherapy were collected from February 2018 to January 2019. Participants' pain and anxiety levels were measured four times using a numerical rating scale (before, during, after applicator insertion, and during the radiation). In addition, vital signs were measured three times (before, after applicator insertion, and during radiation). Data were analyzed for frequency and percentage. The normality and homogeneity of the dependent variables were tested using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Mann-Whitney U tests, respectively.

Results: Significant differences were found between the experimental and control phases in pain degree during radiation exposure (Z = -1.68, p = .046) and anxiety degree during applicator insertion (Z=-4.42, p = .000), after applicator insertion (Z = -4.85, p = .000), and during radiation exposure (Z = -5.38, p = .000). However, no significant difference was found between the changes in blood pressure, pulse, and respiration at any time point.

Conclusions: The findings suggest the need to actively employ integrated music-video therapy to reduce acute pain and anxiety in gynecologic cancer patients undergoing brachytherapy.

Clinical implications: This study provides insights into the methodological approaches for implementing integrated music-video therapy in clinical practice, targeting the reduction of acute pain and anxiety triggered by gynecological surgeries and procedures.