Research Problem Statement: Impact of Music Therapy on Postoperative Pain Management in Adult Patients

Study Variables:

• Independent Variable:Implementation of music therapy sessions (type of music, duration, frequency)
• Dependent Variable:Postoperative pain intensity measured using a numerical rating scale (NRS)

Hypothesis: Patients who receive music therapy sessions will experience lower postoperative pain scores compared to those receiving standard pain management only.

Ethical Considerations:

• Informed Consent:Patients must receive clear information about the study, including potential benefits and risks, before providing written consent.
• Patient Autonomy:Participation in the study must be voluntary, and patients have the right to withdraw at any time.
• Confidentiality:All patient data will be anonymized and kept confidential.
• Music Preference:Patients will have the opportunity to choose music genres they find calming and enjoyable.
• Qualified Music Therapists:Only trained and certified music therapists will conduct the music therapy sessions.

Positive Nursing Practice Change:

Research supporting the effectiveness of music therapy for pain management can lead to positive changes in nursing practice:

• Improved Pain Management:Nurses can advocate for the inclusion of music therapy as a complementary therapy for postoperative pain management.
• Reduced Reliance on Opioids:Music therapy may offer a non-pharmacological approach to pain control, potentially reducing reliance on opioids and their associated side effects.
• Enhanced Patient Experience:Music therapy can create a more positive and calming environment for patients during recovery.
• Cost-Effectiveness:If music therapy proves effective, it can be a cost-effective addition to pain management protocols.

By addressing this research problem, nurses can contribute to evidence-based practice that promotes better pain management and overall patient well-being.