Mindful Awareness of Music: A Modality for Symptom Management

Individuals diagnosed with hematologic cancers experience a variety of psychological and physiologic hardships. The purpose of this evidence-based practice pilot project was to determine whether patients who listened to music had improved symptom management. Individuals admitted to an inpatient hematology-oncology unit participated in music sessions. These sessions consisted of patient-preferred music being played for 30–45 minutes. Surveys were administered before and immediately after the intervention. Overall, 58 patients participated. Symptoms that were most improved were tiredness (52%), well-being (48%), drowsiness (45%), and anxiety (41%).